Electronic Waste

Ask the Waste Wizard to find out where and how to properly dispose of an item.

 

Electronics should never be put in the Blue Bin (recycling) or garbage. The City of Toronto collects unwanted electronics for free to ensure they are disposed of safely, recycled and kept out of landfill. Electronic items can be put out on garbage day for pickup, brought to a Drop-Off Depot or Community Environment Day or donated for reuse. For additional drop-off locations for electronics, visit the Resources Productivity & Recovery Authority web page.

 

Protect your privacy: The City is not responsible for personal information contained on your electronic devices. Clear all personal information from computers, cell phones and other electronics prior to collection/drop-off/donation (wipe your drives/clear your SIM cards).

Group of large electronic waste items. Includes a TV, VCR, laptop, computer monitor, printer, stereo, and speakers. Group of small electronic waste items. Includes a cellphone, computer mouse, keyboard and cable, tablet, camera and video recorder.

Items include information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment that have a primary purpose of collecting, storing, processing, presenting or communicating information, including sounds and images, recording or reproducing sounds and images. Batteries supplied with the equipment are also accepted.

These include, but are not limited to:

Display Devices*

  • Televisions
  • Monitors
  • E-readers

*includes various technologies (e.g. CRT, LED, LCD, plasma)

Telephones & Accessories

  • Corded and cordless phones (with electrical base stations)
  • Telephone answering machines
  • Cell phones
  • Headsets and hands-free accessories

Computers & Accessories

  • Desktop computers
  • Portable computers (e.g. laptops, tablets, notebooks)
  • Keyboards, mice, cables, webcams, hard drives, USB flash drives/sticks etc.

Printing, Copying & Scanning Equipment*

  • Printers, including ink/toner cartridges
  • Photocopiers, including ink/toner cartridges
  • Scanners
  • Fax machines
  • Multi-Function Devices

*includes desktop and floor-standing

Stationary & Portable Audio/Video Systems

  • Stereos, radios, tuners, turntables, record, cassette players
  • Speakers, amplifiers, receivers
  • CD, VCR, DVD, Blu-ray, PVR players/recorders
  • Digital media (e.g. MP3) players
  • Docking stations for portable digital players, speakers
  • Audio and/or voice recorders
  • Headphones and microphones (wired and wireless)
  • Projectors (e.g. digital, multimedia, video)
  • Video game consoles, handheld video game systems
  • Baby monitors and receivers

Musical Instruments & Equipment

  • Any musical instrument designed to be used with an electrical charge (with cord, battery or both), e.g. battery-powered keyboards, digital pianos
  • Electronic tuners, metronomes or combination devices
  • Amplifiers, mixers, pedal boards, synthesizers

Other

  • Cameras (e.g. digital, video, single-use disposable, security)
  • Printer or photocopier ink/toner cartridges
  • Calculators
  • Smart watches
  • Smart glasses
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and components
  • Drones with audio or visual recording equipment
  • Peripherals and cables used to support the function of information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment (e.g. charging equipment, remote controls)
  • Parts of information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment sold separately (e.g. hard drives, modems, routers)
  • Handheld point-of-sale terminals or devices

Note: just because an item has an electrical cord does not mean it is considered electronic waste.

Items not accepted include, but are not limited to:

  • Appliances, e.g. fridge, freezer, microwave oven, kettle, coffee maker, blender
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Air conditioners, fans
  • Power tools
  • Children’s toys
  • Textiles, clothing, furniture or any other upholstered and stuffed articles containing electrical/electronic equipment
  • String lights, light bulbs
  • Batteries, unless supplied with the electrical/electronic equipment
  • Remote controls, unless supplied with the electrical/electronic equipment
  • VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and cassettes

Check Waste Wizard for instructions on the proper disposal of the above items.

  • Set electronic items out on Garbage collection day for pick-up 0.5 metre (2 feet) away from your Garbage Bin.
  • Please avoid setting out items in bad weather.
  • Make sure the items can be seen by the collections crews.
  • Put large electronic items, such as computer monitors and televisions, on the ground.
  • Put small electronic items, such as cell phones, in a clear plastic bag or in an open cardboard box. If possible, put more than one item out at a time.
  • Electronics will be collected by a different truck after your garbage has been picked up.

Information for building managers

  • Place electronics in a visible and accessible area at your building’s regular collection point designated for oversized items.
  • Please avoid setting out items in bad weather unless the collection point is covered.
  • Place large items, such as computer monitors and televisions, on the ground, and small items, such as cell phones, in a clear plastic bag, open cardboard box or open-top reusable bin. The bag/box/bin must not weigh more than 20 kilograms.
  • Electronics will be collected by the truck designated for oversized items.

Information for residents

  • Ask your superintendent or property manager where the collection area is for your building.
  • Take electronic waste to your building’s designated drop-off area.