The History of CESA
In 2011, the British Columbia Ministry of Environment expanded recycling regulations to include small household electrical appliances and later, power tools and exercise equipment like treadmills.
The government put the onus on producers – manufacturers, distributors, retailers and importers who bring these products into the BC market – to provide end-of-life management for the old and unwanted products. This recycling model is called extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Members of the small household appliance industry came together and formed the not-for-profit Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) to meet the specific mandates of the regulation on their behalf.
This includes setting up collection sites, transportation, recycling processes, and public education.
What is CESA?
CESA runs the ElectroRecycle program, and is a federally-incorporated, not-for-profit organization led by the industry members whose products are stipulated in the regulations. By operating as a single organization, CESA allows for an efficient approach to recycling, keeping fees low and making it easier for consumers to recycle.
CESA was incorporated in 2010. As of 2024, CESA has over 450 members from various sectors of the small household appliance and power tool industry.
Land Acknowledgement
CESA, its Board of Directors and staff are grateful and honored to live, work, and be in relation with Indigenous peoples from across many traditional and unceded territories, covering all regions of British Columbia. We recognize their deep connection with this land and its resources and their historical environmental stewardship and are committed to reconciliation and building relationships as we move forward.
Vision
To be the preferred partner to support stewards and work together to advance a circular economy.
Mission
To deliver essential services and comprehensive resources that support manufacturers, brands and other legally obligated parties in providing cost effective, efficient and transparent end-of-life product management solutions.
Mandate
To design, implement, operate, promote and report out on end-of-life recycling programs for electrical appliances and other electrical products.
2023 Snapshot
230+
Collection sites across BC
5,762,044
Total collected products
88%
Consumer awareness
How CESA Operates
Industry Steward joins CESA
CESA manages legislative recycling obligations for industry (brand owner, first importer or retailer).
Environmental Handling Fee
An eco-fee, or environmental handling fee, is attached to applicable products.
Displaying Fees
Depending on the province, retailers charge fee at point of sale or include it in cost of goods.
Remitting Fees
Fees are remitted by an obligated industry steward to CESA.
Fees fund the Program
Fees go toward funding all operations of the program.
Non Profit
If revenues exceed expenses, the fees are reduced to align with expenses
