Recycling household electronics
What’s in your phone? Cherished photos of loved ones, apps that help you navigate life in more ways than one, maybe even your grocery list.
But did you know that your smartphone and other electronics also contain valuable resources like gold, silver and copper?
These, as well as other materials that go into your electronics, can be extracted and reused even after the device has stopped working. All you have to do is gather your used electronics and drop them off at one of many collection locations across the province.
Once dropped off, your items are collected, sorted, and sent to certified recycling facilities. There, the electronics are taken apart so metals, plastics, and glass can be processed for reuse. Any remaining components are disposed of safely.
What types of electronics can be recycled?
Examples of electronics that can be recycled in Ontario include:
- Audio recording equipment
- Cameras, including security cameras
- Computers
- Display devices (such as computer monitors)
- Drones with audio or visual recording equipment
- Handheld point-of-sale terminals or devices
- Headphones
- Musical instruments
- Peripherals and cables used for electronics, including charging equipment
- Printers (desktop and floor-standing)
- Printer cartridges
- Radios and stereos, including after-market vehicle stereos
- Speakers
- Telephones, including cellular phones
- Video gaming devices
- Video recorders