Frequently Asked Questions
What is the electronic waste recycling program all about?
The program increases opportunities for Ontarians to recycle old, unwanted electronics and keep them out of landfill. This industry-led program has established a network of more than 500 OES-approved collection points across Ontario where people can drop off designated electronic equipment, and be assured that they will be reused or recycled in an environmentally responsible way.
When did the program begin?
The program began on April 1, 2009. As of April 1, 2010, up to 44 electronic waste items are accepted for safe recycling across Ontario.
Where do I take these materials?
Right now you can bring your used electronics to a variety of municipal, not-for-profit, retail and other types of depots and special event days. Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES), the not-for-profit organization charged with implementing this program, is working hard to set up more collection locations in your area. From there, these items will either be reused or recycled in an environmentally responsible way. To find the most convenient site use the search tools at the top of this page. Sites can be searched by community, postal code or material type.
Shouldn't we reuse before recycling?
By all means. Check with your friends and family first to find out if anyone would like to have your unwanted electronics. Also, explore this website to find out which organizations may accept equipment that still works or can be refurbished. As always, protect your privacy. Be sure to back up your data and wipe clean all drives on computers and laptops. The same precautions apply to SIM cards and other storage devices in cell phones, even memory cards in digital cameras and picture frames. If you are unsure how to clean data, check your owner’s manual.
What is the difference between reuse and recycling?
Reuse refers to equipment that still works and still has reuse “value.” For example, while an older computer or television may still work, it may have little or no reuse value because of its technical limitations. . Recycling means that the equipment is considered at the end of its life and will be disassembled and dismantled and the various components and parts recycled.
What if I can't find a reuse or recycling facility near me?
More than 500 OES-approved collection sites are already accepting electronic waste and more are being added province-wide. Check the website often as the site is updated as soon as new sites are approved. If you don’t find a facility near you, email customer service at
customerservice@ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca and ask if there are plans to hold a special collection day for electronics in your area.
How do I know my old electronics are being managed properly when I take them to an OES-approved collection sites or event?
From the time that electronic waste is accepted from consumers at an OES-certified collection location, used electronics are managed according to the highest levels of security and environmental standards at every stage of the process, including transportation and recycling. Only OES collection sites are listed in the Do What You Can "electronics" website.
What about the security of private information that may be left on my computer?
When you choose to recycle your "end of life" electronics it will not be reused. OES will make every effort to ensure the privacy and security of any personal information. OES cannot, however, accept liability for any data that remains on the computer.
As always, protect your privacy. Be sure to back up your data and wipe clean all drives on computers and laptops. The same precautions apply to SIM cards and other storage devices in cell phones, even memory cards in digital cameras and picture frames. If you are unsure how to clean data, check your owner’s manual.
How is the program being funded?
The Do What You Can electronics program is funded by fees paid to OES by manufacturers and importers of electronics in Ontario (called Stewards). These funds are used exclusively to pay for collection, transportation, consolidation, and processing of electronic waste as well as research and consumer education programs to encourage greater electronic equipment recycling.
In some cases, Stewards absorb the fees they pay to OES. In others, Stewards may choose to reflect these costs at the point of purchase. The fees are used exclusively to promote and support the safe and responsible reuse and recycling of electronic waste in the province. None of the funds go to government.
Are electronic waste collection and reuse options available everywhere in Ontario now?
It will take a few years to expand the program fully across Ontario. OES is actively working with interested municipalities, retailers and other collectors to ensure that convenient opportunities exist for people in all parts of Ontario to recycle electronic waste at a collection event or facility.
What do I do with electronic waste that is not included in this program?
Municipalities, processors, and reuse and refurbishment organizations may collect a variety of electronic waste products that are not designated by the Ministry of the Environment in this program. Consumers should contact their municipalities and local organizations to confirm accepted materials and recycling procedures.
Are all electronic waste materials collected at every collection site listed on this website?
No. OES-approved collectors have been allowed some flexibility on how they operate and are not required to accept all materials. Please check the collection site details for each listing on this website for the specific materials accepted in your area. Some communities have several approved collection sites so check out a few to see which best suits your needs.
Why not include all electronics?
Successful stewardship programs that ensure products and packaging are managed appropriately at the end of their useful lives are complex and rely on an extensive infrastructure of convenient, qualified collection sites. Unlike other recyclables like blue box materials, the infrastructure for broad-based electronic waste recovery requires a rigorous expansion process that adheres to strict environmental guidelines. By introducing the program in stages ensures that the network of approved collection sites can accommodate the growing volumes of electronic waste as additional materials are accepted.
Will it cost me anything to take old electronics to a collection event or facility?
You can drop off unwanted electronic waste at OES-approved collection sites free-of-charge. For each collection location, check which materials are accepted by searching the information on this website. Please note, that while OES provides support to many municipal, private and not-for-profit organizations under the program, OES cannot guarantee that all collectors offer collection services free-of-charge.
Why is the website called Do What You Can?
The Do What You Can website was created specifically to help Ontario residents find collection sites for different types of household waste by searching by municipality, postal code or material type. One section of the site deals with home and office electronics and the other section addresses household hazardous or special waste such as leftover paint, non-rechargeable batteries and empty propane cylinders. The idea is a simple one – let’s do a better job of recovering these materials by creating more opportunities to take them to local collection events, sites or facilities. This way, we keep waste materials out of Ontario’s landfills and protect the environment. The name Do What You Can recognizes that we can all do more to help improve the environment through the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle).