• How to recycle

    Electronics

Electronics Recycling in Ontario

How to Recycle Electronics and Electrical Equipment

  • A black and white image of old portable tvs from the 1970's and 1980's

    Where to Recycle

    Retail locations must accept all electronics similar to the products sold at the store (regardless of brand name).  

    Use our map of collection locations across Ontario so you can easily find the closest drop-off

    Find a location near you
  • Various e-waste. Including a small tv with built in VCR, headphones, a VCR, a audio receiver, a computer case, mouse, and modem, plus some other items.

    What you can Recycle

    Electronics and electrical equipment includes all components, parts or peripherals, including batteries, that are provided with the product
    at the time of purchase.

    Packaging supplied with the product should be recycled or disposed of separately.

    Full list of electronics that can be recycled

  • Excluded from EEE Collections

    • Textiles, clothing, furniture or any other upholstered and stuffed articles containing EEE
    • Any EEE that falls under the definition of “device” in section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act (Canada)
    • Power tools
    • Children’s toys
    • Large appliances
    • Small appliances
    • Fitness equipment
Find Out Where to Recycle EEE

Electronic waste (e-waste) Recycling

Let’s explore the step-by-step process of e-waste recycling

A pile of e-waste. A human in first person view is holding up what looks like an electronic tablet that has two major cracks in the screen.

separating e-waste

Sorting and Shredding

  • The journey begins with collecting electronic products through take-back programs, or designated collection points.
  • At specialized electronics recycling facilities, workers manually sort and separate different types of e-waste. They examine items to identify reusable parts or components.
  • E-waste then undergoes shredding. Powerful machines break down electronics into smaller pieces.
  • This step prepares the materials for further processing.
A worker in a recycling facility is sitting down sifting through a pile of electronic waste.

Metallic and Nonmetallic Separation

Removal, and Separation

  • Magnets are employed to extract ferrous metals (such as iron and steel) from the shredded e-waste.
  • These metals can be recycled separately.
  • The remaining mixture is subjected to mechanical separation.
  • Techniques like air classifiers and vibrating screens separate metallic components (like copper, aluminum, and gold) from nonmetallic ones (such as plastics and glass).
  • Water-based separation is used to further segregate materials as plastic floats.
A small TV from the 1960s

Keep our gadgets out of landfills and in the recycling loop

Special E-Waste Information

  • CRT Recycling Process: Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from old TVs and monitors require specialized handling due to their lead content.
  • Importance of E-Waste Recycling: Proper recycling prevents toxic substances (like lead, cadmium, and mercury) from leaching into soil, water, and air. It also reduces health risks and conserves resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, you can dispose of electronics by taking them to designated e-waste recycling locations, participating in collection events, or using curbside pickup services offered by some municipalities. Ensure that you follow local guidelines for proper disposal.
E-waste can be taken to various locations, including municipal recycling centers, designated drop-off sites, and special e-waste collection events. Check local government websites for specific locations and schedules.
In Ontario, a wide range of electronics can be recycled, including computers, laptops, televisions, smartphones, and printers. Always verify with local recycling programs for specific guidelines on acceptable items.