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.