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 2018, CESA has over 450 members from various sectors of the small household appliance and power tool industry.
2018 Snapshot
220
Collection sites across BC
5,091,820kg
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
CESA manages legislative recycling obligations for industry (brand owner, first importer or retailer).
Displaying Fees
CESA manages legislative recycling obligations for industry (brand owner, first importer or retailer).
Remitting Fees
CESA manages legislative recycling obligations for industry (brand owner, first importer or retailer).
Fees fund the Program
Fees go towards funding all operations of the program,
Non Profit
If revenues exceed expenses, the fees are reduced to align with expenses
