MP Thibeault introduces bill to curb e-waste

OTTAWA – New Democratic Consumer Protection Critic Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury) introduced legislation today that would mandate the creation of a standardized universal cell phone charger for all new mobile phones sold in Canada.

“We know that when a person buys a new cell phone, they overwhelmingly dispose of their current charger, even if it’s in perfect condition,” said Thibeault. “People often have multiple chargers for home, work and in the car, so the cost of changing chargers quickly adds up.”

Not only would the adoption of a universal cell phone charger remove the financial burden from consumers – who often have to change chargers when their old phone is broken, lost or upgraded – but it would also significantly reduce the ever-increasing volume of electronics waste which Canadian consumers are sending to landfills.

In 2009, The European Union implemented a similar initiative, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to make their devices compatible with the standard. Apple, Research in Motion, Motorola, and Nokia are just some of the big name manufacturers who have signed onto the E.U.’s plan to standardize cell phone chargers.

“The E. U. experience has shown that manufacturers are willing to take the steps necessary to develop cellular charger standards,” said Thibeault. “This simple and cost-effective change will have positive consequences for the environment, reduce e-waste, and help save consumers money.”