Can You Recycle Your Old Electronics?

Canadians dispose of thousands of tonnes of electronic waste in landfills every year. Much of this e-waste is a result of the constant need for businesses and consumers to upgrade their technology. This long list of electronics includes new computers, laptops, portable devices, and servers. In many cases, these electronics are still functioning or contain functioning components that can still be useful. Not only do electronics add tonnes of garbage to our landfills, but they also contain toxins that present a threat for our health and our environment. With this in mind, understanding how easy it is to recycle electronics and the many benefits it offers society, our health, and the environment will help ensure your old electronics don’t end up in local landfill sites.

Government Recycling Standards

The crude recycling process of e-waste allows many pollutants, such as heavy metals, to be released into the environment. This contaminated air can then be breathed in and allow toxins to accumulate in the human body.

Luckily, the government has regulations in place to help ensure electronics are disposed of properly. Because both consumers and businesses often do not understand how to follow these regulations, there are still tonnes of e-waste winding up in landfills. We understand the importance of following the best industry and government recycling standards, as it helps keep the impact on the environment to a minimum.

Our goal is to refurbish and reuse as many electronics as possible, whether it is refurbishing electronics or harvesting components so that they are reused. In the case where items can’t be saved, we recycle the hardware in compliance with government regulations.

Consumer Electronic Recycling

As consumers, we tend to have a disposable view on our material goods. However, everyone has a responsibility to find ways to help protect the environment. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to do this. There are many comprehensive recycling services available for consumers to dispose of their used electronics and other electrical equipment. We can assist in this process, including computers, laptops, cell phones, and servers

We will properly dispose of your old electronics to not only prevent them from ending up in landfills, but to also ensure they are properly wiped clean so your personal information will not be compromised. We also participate in local Return-to-Retail initiatives to make it easy for you to drop off your electronics at large retail outlets From there, we ensure that your items are sorted and properly disposed of, and look for items that can be refurbished, resold, or recycled.

We will even arrange to pick up your e-waste so you barely have to lift a finger.

What can be recycled?

The following electronic devices can be recycled:

• Laptop and desktop computers
• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Servers
• Network equipment
• TVs
• Monitors
• Printers
• Photocopiers
• Fax machines
• Power supplies
• Toner and ink cartridges
• Batteries
• Keyboards, mice, and other accessories
• Speakers and stereo systems

What can’t be recycled?

In most areas, the following cannot be recycled:

• Microwave ovens
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Non-decontaminated medical equipment

Recycling for Organizations and Businesses

Organizations have a responsibility to ensure their old electronics are recycled properly. There are many services available to help organizations understand the laws and how they can take the best steps to become more responsible in the management of their old electronics.

For example, we assist organizations to help reduce the impact of large-scale disposals on the environment. Working with businesses, we will ensure your electronics are recycled properly, and even provide a recycling plan. As well, our goal is to make recycling the easiest choice and we will happily coordinate drop-off or pickup services.

Organizations can also consider IT asset recovery services that will generate revenue from your old equipment through the refurbishment and resale of outdated equipment. It is not only environmentally friendly, but also makes good business sense, generating cash to go towards your upgrade.

Take-Back Programs

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), disposal of end-of-life equipment can be costly and requires special attention to ensure sensitive data and personal information is safely removed. Take-back programs and recycling plans are available to assist in the process. For example, we can ensure all of your electronics are disposed of and recycled in a legal, ethical, and cost-efficient manner in accordance with local legislation, compliance regulations, and corporate initiatives.

In the Community

Local communities also have a responsibility to be more environmentally conscious. Municipalities can ensure electronic waste is properly recycled by working with experts such as ours. We work with many municipalities, holding events for e-waste drop-offs including batteries; we then dispose of it in the most environmentally friendly way possible. We can also help with charity fundraisers and events, if your community wants to raise awareness about recycling electronics.

No matter what steps you take to ensure your electronics are properly recycled, we encourage you to protect your personal information when disposing of personal cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Data-wiping and data-destruction is the only way to safely remove all of your personal information before properly destroying or recycling the hardware.

If you would like more information on proper disposal of e-waste, click here to contact the eCycle team.