Electronics Recycling in Ontario
Electronics recycling in Ontario is free for residents at hundreds of approved drop-off locations across the province. The Recyclability Collection Locator maps these sites, including municipal depots and other approved collection locations. Electronics recycling programs are operated through the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) and regulated by the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA).
Most types of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) can be recycled, including
- TVs and monitors
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Cell phones and tablets
- Printers and scanners
- Gaming systems and audio equipment
- Routers, cables, chargers, and accessories
Before dropping off electronics:
- Back up important files
- Remove personal information from devices
- Remove removable batteries if possible
- Bring devices to approved e-waste drop-off locations
Recycling old devices keeps hazardous materials out of landfills and recovers metals, plastics, and glass that can be reused in new products.
How to Recycle Electronics and Electrical Equipment
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Where to Recycle Electronics in Ontario
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
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Find a location near youBefore You Drop Off Electronics
Before visiting a collection site, prepare devices safely by:
- Backing up important files and photos
- Removing personal information and then factory-resetting devices
- Removing SIM cards and memory cards
- Removing batteries when possible
- Gathering chargers, cables, and accessories
- Confirming accepted materials before visiting a depot
Preparing devices before recycling helps protect personal information and supports safer handling during collection and processing.
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Full list of electronics that can be recycledWhat Electronics Can Be Recycled?
Accepted materials may include:
- TVs and monitors
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Cell phones and tablets
- Printers, scanners, and fax machines
- Keyboards, mice, and computer accessories
- Gaming systems and controllers
- Cameras and audio equipment
- Routers, modems, and networking devices
- Smartwatches and streaming devices
- Speakers, headphones, webcams, and hard drives
- Cables, chargers, and power supplies
Some collection programs also accept peripherals and accessories supplied with electronic products.
Packaging materials should be recycled separately in accordance with local guidelines.
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What's NOT Accepted at Electronics (EEE) Drop-Offs
Ontario's electronics recycling programs cover Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), but some items need different recycling streams. The following are excluded from EEE collections:
- Textiles, clothing, furniture or any other upholstered and stuffed articles containing EEE
- Electronic medical devices regulated under section 2 of the federal Food and Drugs Act, such as automatic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, hearing aids and insulin pumps
- Power tools
- Children’s toys
- Large appliances
- Small appliances
- Fitness equipment
For items not accepted at electronics drop-offs, like tires or household batteries, see Recyclability's dedicated material guides.
How to Prepare Electronics for Recycling
Many electronic devices store personal information, including photos, passwords, financial details, and account access. Clearing this information before recycling helps protect your privacy.
Steps to Prepare Devices
- Back up important files
- Sign out of cloud accounts and connected services
- Perform a factory reset when available
- Remove SIM cards, SD cards, and external storage
- Remove removable batteries if the device allows it
- Review the manufacturer's instructions for device-specific steps
If a device still works, consider donating or reusing it before recycling.
Reuse and Donation Options
Not all devices need to be recycled immediately. If electronics still work, reuse options can help extend product lifespan and reduce waste.
Working devices may be:
- Donated to community organizations
- Repaired for continued use
- Refurbished and resold
- Passed along to friends or family
Devices that cannot be reused should be taken to approved collection locations for proper handling and recycling.
How Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Works
Let’s explore the step-by-step process of e-waste recycling, starting with sortingseparating 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.
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 since plastic floats.
Keep our gadgets out of landfills and in the recycling loop
Special E-Waste Information
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CRT Recycling Process
Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from old TVs and monitors require specialized handling due to their lead content.
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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.
Electronic waste recycling helps recover valuable materials that can be used again in new products. Metals, plastics, and glass collected through electronics recycling programs reduce the need for raw material extraction and support resource recovery efforts.
Proper electronics disposal in Ontario also helps prevent hazardous substances from entering the environment. Some electronics may contain materials such as lead, mercury, or cadmium that require safe handling and processing.
Recycling electronics through approved programs helps:
- Keep electronic waste out of landfills
- Recover reusable materials
- Support safer recycling practices
- Reduce environmental impacts connected to resource extraction
- Support Ontario's regulated recycling system through RPRA-approved programs
Find Electronics Recycling Locations in Ontario
Use the Recyclability Collection Locator to find nearby drop-off locations for computers, TVs, phones, chargers, accessories, and other accepted electronic devices across Ontario.