In the world of information technology equipment obsolescence is practically a daily occurrence. Each year Canadians purchase two million computers and replace them about every two to five years. So what happens to all these obsolete PCs, monitors, printers and faxes Chances are they end up in your local landfill. There is a problem, however, with tonnes of electronic waste (or e-waste) collecting in landfills: they contain toxins like lead, mercury and cadmium.

Environment Canada estimates the annual disposal of personal computers results in an 4.5 tonnes of cadmium and 1.1 tonnes of mercury in landfills. The cost to clean up landfills falls on the local municipality, or more accurately, property owners. Skyrocketing costs, concerns over the environment and ensuring user-pay principle has prompted governments to take a look at the issue.

Predictably, the government's answer is simple: tax it. The province is set to implement a recycling "fee" on computers, monitors and printers by the spring of 2007. It appears British Columbia is following the mis-guided footsteps of Alberta-which recently invoked a province-wide e-tax ranging from $5 to $45. The fee revenues are handled by a non-profit industry organization that ensures e-waste is appropriately recycled. Buy there's a big problem with plan-there is absolutely zero incentive for consumer compliance.

Therefore, the goal to reduce e-waste in local landfills is nowhere in the government plan. Common sense will tell you that a recycling deposit system is the best route, just look at beverage containers. Very few beer bottles or pop cans end up in the landfill nowadays. Why Because the deposit system ensures the product will be recycled.

For a refreshing change, government should take a look at what the market is already doing about e-waste. An emerging company in Victoria, Breakdown Recycle, has been on the e-waste scene for just about three years. James Webb, owner and operator, notes that his company has saved landfills over 1000 tonnes of e-waste already.

The break-down of e-waste is done right on site with plastic and steel treated and sent out to be re-used by manufacturers and other materials re-furbished. The depot is open to the general public and accepts all makes and types of e-waste. Breakdown Recycle offers convenience to downtown businesses by offering pick up service and handles security concerns with respect to data stored on hard drives on-site.

Webb favours a deposit system on electronics and he should know. The best way to ensure that e-waste doesn't end up in landfills is to provide the end user with an incentive to recycle. Any other model, even if it is run by industry, will not be as successful.

Since its inception, Breakdown Recycle has enjoyed a growth rate of about 100 per cent each year. The depot is convenient and provides customers with a "green conscious." Breakdown Recycle is a model of experience and practice that should be considered further by the provincial government before implementing and Alberta style "fee."

If government is concerned about the level of e-waste in local landfills, all they need to do is implement a deposit system and ensure recycling depots comply with regulations. No new taxes or bureaucracy is needed.

Note: Breakdown Recycle is having its annual Spring Open House, this Saturday and Sunday from 9:00-3:00 at 852 Devonshire in Esquimalt. Bring your old PCs, computers and monitors. There is a nominal fee for TVs and monitors.