Liberals question electronics recycling program levy

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is facing more heat over its electronics recycling program.

A fee is charged to pay for the proper disposal of old electronics, and is being tacked on to every electronic item purchased — as high as $42 for some televisions. 

Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair MHA Lisa Dempster doesn't think it's fair that some have to pay the levy when an electronics recycling depot is not in their community.

"Why are people being forced to pay a $42 fee on the purchase of a TV in regions where there is no ability to recycle the electronics?" Dempster asked.

Environment Minister Joan Shea told the house of assembly on Tuesday that the province has come up with assistance for those people.  

"All residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will have access to a place to drop off their electronics," said Shea.

"The recycling will be picked up on an annual basis, so people will have the opportunity, as they will with other hazardous household material, that there would be a depot where they could drop off on an annual basis," she said.   

The province has said the program will be expanded to other areas over time.