Used electronics — computers, monitors, televisions, phones, printers and small appliances — contain a mixture of valuable materials and hazardous substances. Lead, cadmium, beryllium and mercury are present in circuit boards and displays. When these items go into regular garbage, they risk leaching contaminants into landfill leachate. At the same time, the metals they contain — gold, copper, palladium — are recoverable through proper recycling processes.
Each Canadian province operates some form of electronics take-back program, though the scope of what is covered, the fee structure and the drop-off network vary considerably.
How Provincial E-Waste Programs Work
Most provincial electronics recycling programs operate under an advance recycling fee (ARF) model. When a consumer buys a new covered electronic device, a fee is collected at point of sale. That fee funds the collection and processing of end-of-life electronics. This means residents typically do not pay additional charges when dropping off devices at registered collection points.
The specific organizations managing these programs differ by province, and the list of covered product categories varies. Some provinces include small appliances; others restrict the program to information technology equipment, audio-visual devices and display screens.
Ontario: Ontario Electronic Stewardship / EPRA
Ontario's electronics recycling is managed through EPRA Ontario (Electronic Products Recycling Association), operating under the provincial Waste Diversion Transition Act framework. EPRA Ontario manages a network of registered collection sites including municipal depots, retail take-back locations and some municipal transfer stations.
Covered Products in Ontario
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Monitors and televisions (CRT and flat panel)
- Printers, scanners, fax machines
- Keyboards, mice and cables
- Cell phones and smartphones
- Tablets and e-readers
Items not covered by the EPRA program — such as certain large appliances, microwaves and power tools — may require different disposal pathways, including some municipal depots or manufacturer take-back programs.
Data Deletion: Before dropping off any device, remove personal data. For computers and phones, use the manufacturer's factory reset option or a certified data destruction tool. EPRA and its recyclers are not responsible for data remaining on devices at time of drop-off.
British Columbia: Return-It Electronics
BC's electronics recycling is administered through Recycle My Electronics, a program of Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA BC). Residents can drop off covered electronics at Return-It depots, municipal facilities and participating retailers across the province.
BC's program covers a broad list of products including computers, monitors, printers, televisions, audio-visual equipment, phones, and small household appliances such as irons and coffee makers, depending on the product category schedule.
Finding a Drop-Off Site in BC
The Recycle My Electronics BC website provides a searchable map of collection locations. Many municipalities also list accepted items and depot addresses on their waste management pages.
Quebec: Appareils Électroniques Québec (AÉQ)
Quebec operates an electronics recycling program through Appareils Électroniques Québec (AÉQ), funded by fees collected at point of sale. The program covers computers and accessories, audiovisual equipment and screens. Collection takes place at designated drop-off sites including municipal eco-centres (écocentres) and some retailer locations.
Quebec's écocentres are multi-material facilities that accept a wide range of problematic materials beyond electronics — including household hazardous waste, construction debris and large items — making them a convenient single destination for residents dealing with hard-to-recycle materials.
Alberta: Electronics Recycling Alberta (ARMA)
Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) oversees the Electronics Recycling Alberta program. ARMA collects an advance recycling fee on electronics sold in the province and funds a province-wide collection network including depots and some curbside events.
Covered Electronics in Alberta
- Computers (desktop, laptop, tablet)
- Monitors and televisions
- Printers and peripherals
- Cell phones
- Audio equipment and cameras
Drop-off points in Alberta include municipal landfills accepting electronics, registered depots and some retail take-back programs. The ARMA website lists depot locations by city.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Saskatchewan's electronics recycling operates through SWEEP (Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program), which covers computers, monitors, televisions and peripherals. Registered collection points are found at municipal landfills and some retailers.
Manitoba's program is managed through EPRA Manitoba (previously MMSM's electronics component). Covered products include computers, televisions, monitors, phones and audio equipment. Residents access the program at depots and participating retailers.
Atlantic Provinces
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland each operate separate electronics recycling frameworks, most involving advance recycling fees and depot-based collection. Nova Scotia's RRFB manages the province's electronics stewardship program alongside its other materials. New Brunswick's program covers computers and television equipment at municipal collection points.
Preparing Electronics for Drop-Off
Before taking devices to a drop-off location, consider the following practical steps:
- Factory reset smartphones and tablets to erase personal data
- Remove and separately recycle or dispose of batteries (most programs do not accept batteries inside devices)
- Check whether the program accepts your specific product category — not all programs cover large appliances or certain accessories
- Confirm the drop-off location's hours and any item limits before travelling
| Province | Program Operator | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | EPRA Ontario | Advance recycling fee at point of sale |
| British Columbia | EPRA BC / Recycle My Electronics | Advance recycling fee at point of sale |
| Quebec | AÉQ | Fee collected by program — no charge at drop-off |
| Alberta | ARMA | Advance recycling fee at point of sale |
| Saskatchewan | SWEEP | Advance recycling fee at point of sale |
| Manitoba | EPRA Manitoba | Advance recycling fee at point of sale |
Last updated: May 25, 2026. Program details and accepted product lists are subject to change — verify current information with the relevant provincial program operator.