July 1 marks the beginning of an expanded recycling program in British Columbia. Chris Olsen explains what you'll be able to keep out of the landfill and what it will cost you.

London Drugs has been voluntarily taking old alkaline batteries back for recycling for two years, but a government program starting July 1 means alkaline batteries and numerous electronic products will now be recyclable province-wide at 100 locations.

"Since 2008 we've recycled another 36,000 pounds of alkaline batteries just with our customers, so we know it's a program that will be well received when the government legislation kicks in," Clint Mahlman of London Drugs told CTV News.

The program will make it possible to recycle small boom boxes, homes theatre systems, speakers, amplifiers, turntables and even PVRs.

"If it still works, take it to a thrift store. Let someone else get some use out of it. Let's promote re-use. If it's something that doesn't work and you've just been storing it in your basement, this is your opportunity now to take it back and have it recycled responsibly," Brock McDonald from the Recycling Council of BC said.

But the expanded recycling program also adds additional fees when you buy new products to pay for recycling the old ones.

Starting July 1, consumers will be charged:

  • 40 cents on new personal or portable audio or video systems, such as headphones or portable DVD players
  • 85 cents for new home phones – corded or cordless
  • $2.75 for each component of a vehicle audio system
  • $3.50 for home audio and video systems, including clock radios, PVRs and digital picture frames
  • $6.00 for home theatres in a box

Other common household items such as compact fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, as well as mercury thermostats, can also be recycled beginning July 1. This is good news for the environment because there is as much mercury in an old thermostat as in 750 compact fluorescents.

Even with mandatory recycling, London Drugs says it wants to continue to lead with its recycling programs. For example, it will take back all its customers' packaging, including styrofoam, for recycling.

"It's very possible that the new baseboard or crown molding you are putting in your house could have been your packaging from London drugs," Mahlman said.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen