Recycling old electronics.

[noodles]

I'm going through my basement and cleaning it up in preperation for doing some renovations down there. I have a bunch of old computers, monitors, computer peripherals and old electronics.

I live in Surrey BC and I can take the computers and monitors to the return it (www.returnit.ca) depots. However, they only take specific items, they won't take my broken Shaw Cable box, old game controllers, broken routers or computer speakers. I really don't want to throw this stuff in the landfill as I'm sure there's something better that can be done with it. However, at this point it looks like my only option.

Any ideas?

[sf1]

Hi, first thank you for trying to save the environment.

If your electronics are working, why not consider selling it on eBay or free sites like craiglist and kijiji?

I am from Ontario, in here they are picky on what to collect as well. And the worst part is, when I bring the electronics that are eligible, they give me this look make it seem like they are doing a flavor for me. I drive all the way down to their depot trying to save the environment and I am the one suppose to say thank you to them.

So now I just keep all my unused electronics in a bin at basement, you can do the same but if you really don't have the space I guess you have to throw them out. I list used electronics immediately after I upgraded to something newer, so that I don't lose as much due to depreciation. I also list broken ones as a broken repair lot on eBay sometimes hoping someone can repair them, selling at a loss most of the time after shipping, but at least someone can make use of them.

[majesus]

I did not know Returnit was selective. Pcgalore took my old shaw modem, also try http://freegeekvancouver.org/. They have been on CBC several times promoting Ethical ways of recycling old electronics.

I appreciate the fact that you don't want to throw the electronics in the garbage. I cringe when I notice that someone has dumped a TV in our apartment's dumpster or has abandoned monitors/printers in the Alley.


Maj

[MacGyver]

http://rcbc.bc.ca/node/572?material_box=Electronics&material_detail_box=Computers&Cities_Serviced_box=White+Rock&x=75&y=28

[halo five]

Most computer recycling places in Ontario charge for accepting computers older than a certain date, they usually list specific configuration minimums (ie. must be Pentium 4 or above, 1GB of ram, etc.)

Nowhere will take a CRT monitor for free, you'll have to pay to dispose of those. Until the manufacturers build the recycling fee into the price of the product, that's the way it is. Think of it as an incentive to buy less stuff!

[JPTN]

I recently wrote up an article on electronics/computer recycling with information and links for every province and most major cities.

Many manufacturers will recycle computers too.
Most companies are FREE. e.g. www.freerecycling.ca

Check it out at: http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2009/12/in-with-the-new-recycle-the-old.html

[azn_riceboi]

i want to dispose my CRT and tower.
But they want to charge $10 for CRT disposal.. anywhere else i can get rid of it?

[gman]

Most computer recycling places in Ontario charge for accepting computers older than a certain date, they usually list specific configuration minimums (ie. must be Pentium 4 or above, 1GB of ram, etc.)

Nowhere will take a CRT monitor for free, you'll have to pay to dispose of those. Until the manufacturers build the recycling fee into the price of the product, that's the way it is. Think of it as an incentive to buy less stuff!

False, your city (Toronto) take your CRT monitor for free. Toronto even does curbside pick up.

http://www.toronto.ca/garbage/depots.htm


Electronic equipment
If you have curbside collection, you can set out electronic equipment for collection.

Or you can take computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and televisions to a Drop-off Depot (PDF). Limit of five units per day. No stereos, VCRs, photocopiers or microwaves.

http://www.toronto.ca/target70/electronics.htm



i want to dispose my CRT and tower.
But they want to charge $10 for CRT disposal.. anywhere else i can get rid of it?

Our city (Markham - York Region) takes them for free.

http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/WstMgt/ElecRecycle/

[AV-Fishing]

Sell them on Kijiji or eBay. Get some money back for it ...