Electronics RECYCLING PROGRAM
StEWARDSHIP
Overview
Launched in 2004, ARMA’s Electronics Recycling Program was the first in Canada to recycle computer equipment, televisions, and select office equipment, and over the last 20 years, ARMA has worked to expand the list of eligible electronics. Albertan’s participation in this program over its lifetime has resulted in over 11.6 million electronics recycled by six ARMA-approved processors. This means over 229,000 tonnes of electronics have been processed and diverted from local landfills!
Once processed, components from the electronics, different metals, glass, and plastics are all used to create new consumer products. Also, since 2004, over 15,000 tonnes of hazardous material have been safely and properly handled during recycling. Last year alone, 229 tonnes of lead, 0.30 kg, of mercury, 3.23 kg. of cadmium, 9.70 kg. of beryllium, and 1.08 tonnes of antimony have been diverted from landfills.
tonnes of electronics have been processed since 2004
Eligible Products and Fees
Following is the list of eligible electronics in Alberta’s Electronics Recycling Program and the environmental fees charged on the sale of new products effective October 1, 2021.
Televisions, monitors and all-in-one computers (processing unit combined with a monitor):
- Less than 30″ screen size – $2.50
- 30″ screen size or larger – $6.00
- $2.00
- $0.80
- $3.00
More Detailed Information
For more detailed information please see the current Products, Definitions, and Fees.
Electronics expanded
Since 2004, Albertans have been recycling their end-of-life TVs and computer equipment and starting September 1, 2020, the list is EXPANDING under a pilot project for which the data collected will inform our provincial government and others on how they can advance electronics recycling in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Electronics are one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Technology continues to evolve at an incredibly rapid pace, making electronics like TVs or computers easy to replace. The challenge of this rapid replacement is that these electronics contain some measure of potentially poisonous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and others—which makes them toxic if not dealt with properly. ARMA works closely with municipalities and processors across the province to ensure electronics are recycled safely and responsibly so they don’t end up in landfills.
Televisions and computer equipment are accepted for recycling at municipal collection sites throughout Alberta. See our ePilot Electronics page for the list of expanded products that can be recycled under our pilot project.
Electronics are picked up from municipal collection sites, businesses, schools, universities, etc. across the province by registered Electronics Processors. These processors safely disassemble them and separate each of the different materials according to the program’s requirements. Commodities like metals, plastics, and glass are collected and sold to be made into new products. The materials processed in Alberta’s electronics recycling program are processed locally and are not sent to, or ‘dumped’ into developing countries.
Electronics contain a number of valuable materials that can be broken down and reused. The steel, aluminum and copper metal found in the wires, cables, and circuitry is used as feedstock for new products. The glass from television and computer screens is melted down, separating the lead, and reused in the manufacture of new products. The plastic from the cases, keyboards, and mice is processed to produce plastic flakes or pellets used to make new consumer products.
The electronics recyclers registered with ARMA adhere to registered processor compliance requirements to ensure the safe and proper disposal of personal information found on devices. However, ARMA recommends wiping your device or hard drive before dropping it off at a collection site to give yourself additional peace of mind.
No, unlike other programs, a primary objective of ARMA’s program is to prevent end-of-life computer equipment, TVs, and other devices from being sold or shipped to developing countries where environmental and safety abuses may occur. Material is processed at registered recycler sites in Alberta.
In May 2020 the Government of Alberta approved a two-year pilot project to expand the types of end-of-life electronics products that will be accepted through the program. This program was extended through March 2024 in order to continue diverting materials from landfill. Learn more.
Printer ink and toner cartridges are considered peripheral items within the electronics program and therefore may be accepted in small amounts at your local electronics recycling depot. Please check the Depot Finder to find a location near you and call them to verify that they will accept these items.
Additionally, you can find a list of manufacturers and how they manage their cartridges at https://everycartridge.com/canada/.
You can contact one of our registered processors to arrange a pick-up.
You can also contact 4-H Alberta to collect old electronics and tires from farms, acreages, and residences, as part of a fundraising initiative. Please contact your local club for more information.
The majority of electronics recycling depots accept end-of-life electronics from businesses. Search the Depot Finder to locate an electronics recycling depot near you and give them a call to verify acceptance of your material. If your business has any questions regarding recycling electronics, please contact us at electronics.albertarecycling.ca or call us toll-free at 1.888.999.8762.
They are picked up by registered processors and transported to their facilities, all located in Alberta. The products are disassembled into metals, glass, and plastic. These commodities are then shipped to approved companies for further processing or manufacturing into new products.
Yes, the Electronics Recycling Roundup is designed to encourage schools, non-profit organizations, and community groups to increase awareness of recycling and raise funds for their organization (or on behalf of an organization), while making it easier for Albertans to recycle their old electronics. Click here for more information on the Electronics Recycling Roundup fundraising opportunity.
Included in our ePilot program, we have created a pilot solar panel recycling program. This pilot program intends to gather data and evaluate the processes and best practices for recycling solar panels, including the volumes of solar panels in Alberta.
Environmental Fee Info
The environmental fees Albertans pay when purchasing new electronics help fund the cost of recycling them.
Albertans are some of the most dedicated recyclers in the world. Residents and businesses have recycled 11.6 million electronics since 2004. Registered electronics processors broke down this material at their approved facilities right here in Alberta, separating it into various metals, glass, and plastic. These recovered commodities were then shipped for manufacturing into new computer components or industrial metal products, to name a few of the end uses for your old electronics.
