Electronic Waste Recycling

What is E-Waste?

E-waste includes any unwanted electronic equipment, such as:

  • Smart devices
  • Used cables
  • Batteries
  • Florescent lights
  • Computers

 

How Much E-Waste Do We Waste?

According to WRW Canada (2020), Canada generated over 638,300 tonnes of e-waste in 2017, and this number is only expected to climb. By 2025, it’s estimated that Canada and the U.S will cumulatively generate 9.25 million metric tonnes of e-waste in that year alone.
Globally, humans dumped a record 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste last year, the equivalent to the weight of 350 cruise ships (WRW Canada, 2020).

Why Is This an Issue?

  • Only 17.4% has been recycled
  • One tonne of discarded phones or PC's can contain up to 280 grams of gold, silver, copper, platinum, or other high-value metals. $57 billion of which, could have been recycled.
  • It takes roughly 530 lbs of fossil fuels, 48 lbs of chemicals, and 5 tonnes of water to manufacture a new computer.

Why Recycle or Divert E-Waste From the Landfill?

Electronic waste does not belong in the landfill! Not only are these items valuable, but e-waste can also leach toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into our water bodies and landmasses we need to survive.

Although EcoSuperior has hosted E-Waste Recycling events, we do not accept e-waste at our office location for recycling.
Used, broken, or unwanted electronic waste can be recycled at the City of Thunder bay Household Hazardous Waste Depot at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility. Items that can be recycled include:

  • Amplifiers
  • Audio and video players
  • Cameras
  • Cell phones
  • Computers and peripherals
  • Copiers
  • Digital cameras
  • Fax machines
  • Monitors
  • Pagers and PDA's
  • Printers
  • Radios
  • Receivers
  • Scanners
  • Speakers
  • Telephones and answering machines
  • Tuners
  • Turntables
  • Televisions
  • Video projectors

Working E-Waste:

If your items are in working condition, please consider donating your items to local donation agencies.