Have you upgraded your electronics?

Jan. 19, 2023 1:00 p.m.
​Learn where to safely dispose of old cellphones, laptops, batteries and more in Vaughan

 

You may have received a cellphone or laptop over the holidays or bought new electronics during Boxing Day sales. If so, do you know how to safely dispose of your old devices? The City of Vaughan is here to help!

Electronics

If you’re looking to dispose of e-waste (electronic waste), such as old cellphones, laptops, cables, televisions, headphones and video game consoles, you can bring them to a York Region waste depot for safe disposal. Never place electronics in the garbage or blue box as they are not collected curbside.

You ​can also visit a Vaughan Public Libraries’ resource branch where staff can provide a pre-paid envelope you can use to mail your cellphone to Phone It Forward – a program that repurposes smartphones for people with sight loss who need them.

Batteries

Drop off batteries at a York Region waste depot. Batteries are also collected at Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton resource libraries for safe disposal. The City does not collect batteries curbside.

Waste less e-waste today!

While upgrading your devices is fun, it’s important to remember our shared responsibility to the planet to cut down on waste. Fortunately, many parts that make up your electronics, like glass, gold, silver and copper, can be reused and made into another product!

Here are easy ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle your old electronics:

  • Reduce e-waste by extending the life of your electronics. Buy a case, keep your device clean and avoid overcharging the battery.
  • Donate electronics that are gently used or old, but still in good working condition, to friends or family.
  • Take e-waste to a retail recycling location. Visit recyclemyelectronics.ca to search Vaughan’s nearest location to you by postal code.

The City of Vaughan is a leader in waste management. Vaughan’s early commitment to York Region’s SM4RT Living Plan (Waste Management Master Plan) further strengthens that leadership. This plan identifies initiatives that set the stage for waste management to 2059 and beyond, focusing on the four Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle and recover – working toward building a circular economy and a world in which nothing goes to waste.

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