City collects electronics for recycling
E-Waste containerized collection, Frequently Asked Questions
E-Waste Frequently Asked Questions for Multi-Residential hi-rise apartments/condos with containerized collection
The City of Toronto is expanding waste diversion collection services for multi-residential buildings to include electronic waste (E-waste). Collection will vary somewhat depending on the service provider for the building, i.e. in-house collections or Miller collections. If you receive curbside (in-house) collection at your building you will be required to use E-waste bags. See "Single family homes, low rise apartments and condos with curbside collection".
If you receive containerized (Miller) collection, buildings can order a special lime green recycling container (E-box) for small electronic items.
What items should go in the E-box?
Smaller items such as: telephones and accessories, cell phones, pagers, cameras, video recorders, personal hand-held computers, computer cables, mouse(s), and radios. Portable and laptop computers and keyboards VCRs, DVD players may also be put in the boxes as long as the weight does not exceed 20kg. Please remove all batteries. Dispose of batteries at HHW depots. Please refer to our website for more information: toronto.ca/garbage.
See "Examples of accepted electronic items for collection".
Will each unit receive an E-box?
No. The E-box(es) for your building should be stored in a centralized area of the building accessible to residents. Residents can bring their electronic items to this location, and building management will be responsible for arranging free City pick-up.
How do I put out larger items such as computers and monitors that will not fit into the E-box?
Place larger electronic items at your building’s regular collection point designated for bulky items. Ensure they are visible and accessible.
Is this program mandatory?
No. However, it will help you reduce the amount of waste you are generating, which affects your Solid Waste fees. It’s the City’s goal to achieve 70% waste diversion and this is a program aimed at keeping electronic waste out of landfill sites and either recycled or safely disposed of.
Is there a charge for the E-waste containers or for the special collection of Electronic items?
No, the containers are provided free of charge. Collection is a free service to encourage waste diversion and ensure electronics items are disposed of safely, recycled and kept out of landfill sites.
Where are the electronics items taken after collection?
All of the electronics items collected are taken to a City warehouse. They are packaged for shipping through OES transporters to OES approved processors and recyclers for recycling and safe, secure disposal of any potentially hazardous content.
Back to topImportant Information for Property Managers of Apartments / Condos with containerized collection
I am the property manager for a multi-residential building and I received a letter from the City advising me to order an E-Waste container (E-box) to hold the electronics left by residents for pick-up.
How do I order container(s)?
Please call 311 to place an order. You will need to provide your water/waste utility account number to place the order.
How many containers should I order for the building?
We suggest one container for every fifty units, if adequate space is available. E-boxes are approximately 19” x 16” x 16” in size and should be placed in a centralized area of the building accessible to residents.
How and when will the electronics items be collected?
Electronics Waste collection will be on a “call-in” basis. The building Superintendent or property manager will need to book an appointment for E-Waste collection. Call 311 to place a Service Request and receive collection.
You must have a minimum of five (5) items to book a collection. The green E-Waste container is equivalent to one item regardless of how many items it contains. Remember, the container with the items must not weigh more than 20 kg according to city collection policy. Along with the container, you can place out four (4) or more electronic items such as: TV’s, stereos and computers, monitors, etc. Place all electronics items out at your regular collection point, please ensure they are visible.
A different style of truck from your regular garbage truck will pick up all electronics for either recycling or safe disposal. Always keep weather conditions in mind when placing items out for collection. In winter storms, we ask that you hold onto items until it’s clear of snow and ice.
When will I receive the new E-Waste Container?
Once you have placed your order, E-Waste containers will be delivered to buildings starting in September. In the meantime, buildings may use an open cardboard box to place small electronic items out for collection. Please ensure the box of electronics is visible at your collection point.
How will I receive the containers?
Containers will be delivered to the address and contact person specified on your order.
What if I require additional containers once the program starts?
Once you begin using the E-box(es), if you have a demonstrated need for additional containers you can contact 311 to order more.
I have a small storage area in the building, what are the dimensions of the containers?
They are similar in size to the old blue boxes. Approximately 19” x 16” x 16”.
Examples of accepted electronic items
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