Electronic waste, or e-waste, has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in Canada and globally. With Canadians replacing their electronic devices more frequently than ever, understanding how to properly dispose of obsolete electronics is increasingly important—both for environmental protection and legal compliance.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of e-waste regulations in Canada, explaining what businesses and individuals need to know to ensure proper handling and disposal of electronic waste.

The E-Waste Challenge in Canada

Canadians generate an estimated 725,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year—equivalent to about 20kg per person. This includes computers, televisions, smartphones, printers, and other electronic devices that contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper, as well as hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

When improperly disposed of, these hazardous materials can leach into soil and water systems, posing significant environmental and health risks. Conversely, proper recycling of e-waste recovers valuable resources and prevents pollution.

The Regulatory Framework for E-Waste in Canada

In Canada, waste management falls primarily under provincial jurisdiction. While there is no single national e-waste policy, most provinces have implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs that require manufacturers and retailers of electronic products to finance and manage the collection and recycling of their products at end-of-life.

Provincial E-Waste Programs

Here's a province-by-province overview of the current e-waste management programs:

British Columbia

Program: Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) British Columbia

Covered items: Includes a comprehensive list of electronics such as computers, displays, printers, audio-visual equipment, and small appliances.

Funding mechanism: Environmental Handling Fees (EHFs) charged at the point of purchase.

Drop-off options: Over 300 collection depots across the province.

Alberta

Program: Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)

Covered items: Computers, monitors, printers, televisions, and additional electronics as of 2020.

Funding mechanism: Advanced disposal surcharges on new purchases.

Drop-off options: More than 375 collection sites throughout Alberta.

Saskatchewan

Program: EPRA Saskatchewan

Covered items: Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, displays, printers, audio-visual equipment, and more.

Funding mechanism: Environmental Handling Fees.

Drop-off options: Around 100 drop-off locations across the province.

Manitoba

Program: EPRA Manitoba

Covered items: Similar to other EPRA programs, covering most consumer electronics.

Funding mechanism: Environmental Handling Fees.

Drop-off options: Over 60 collection sites province-wide.

Ontario

Program: Shifted to individual producer responsibility under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act.

Covered items: IT equipment, televisions, telephones, audio-visual equipment, and more.

Funding mechanism: Individual producers must meet collection and recycling targets.

Drop-off options: Various producer-established collection networks.

Quebec

Program: EPRA Quebec (Recycler mes électroniques)

Covered items: Computers, displays, peripherals, phones, audio-visual equipment, and more.

Funding mechanism: Environmental Handling Fees.

Drop-off options: More than 250 authorized drop-off points.

Atlantic Provinces

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador all have EPRA-managed programs with similar structures to those described above.

Territories

The Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have more limited programs due to geographical challenges, but collection systems are gradually being implemented.

Federal Regulations

While provinces lead on e-waste management, several federal regulations impact how electronic waste is handled:

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

CEPA regulates the export and import of hazardous waste, including certain types of e-waste. Canada is a signatory to the Basel Convention, which controls transboundary movements of hazardous wastes.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act

This Act regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, which may include certain components of electronic waste.

Business Compliance Requirements

Canadian businesses that manufacture, import, or sell electronic products, as well as those that generate significant amounts of e-waste, need to understand their specific obligations:

For Manufacturers, Importers, and Retailers

1. Registration and Reporting

Businesses selling electronic products in provinces with EPR programs must:

  • Register with the provincial e-waste management authority or program
  • Report sales volumes regularly
  • Pay appropriate Environmental Handling Fees
  • Maintain records for audit purposes

2. Environmental Handling Fees (EHFs)

These fees vary by product type and province, and must be:

  • Collected from consumers at point of sale
  • Remitted to the appropriate provincial program
  • Clearly communicated to consumers

3. Product Labeling

Some provinces require specific labeling on electronic products to indicate proper disposal methods and/or EPR program participation.

For Business E-Waste Generators

1. Businesses Discarding Electronics

All businesses disposing of electronic equipment must:

  • Ensure e-waste is sent to authorized recyclers or collection points
  • Maintain records of e-waste disposal for regulatory compliance
  • Handle data security appropriately (secure data wiping before disposal)

2. Special Considerations for Large Quantities

Businesses disposing of large volumes of electronics should:

  • Contact provincial programs for potential pickup services
  • Work directly with certified e-waste recyclers for bulk disposal
  • Consider asset recovery programs that may offer value for newer equipment

For Recyclers and Processors

1. Certification Requirements

E-waste recyclers in Canada should obtain:

  • R2 (Responsible Recycling) Certification
  • e-Stewards Certification
  • Provincial operating permits and licenses

2. Operational Standards

Recyclers must:

  • Implement environmental management systems
  • Follow occupational health and safety protocols
  • Track and report on material flows
  • Ensure downstream due diligence for materials sent to further processing

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with e-waste regulations can result in significant penalties:

For Businesses

  • Financial penalties ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity and persistence of violations
  • Loss of operating permits
  • Criminal charges for serious environmental violations
  • Reputational damage and loss of customer trust

Real-World Example

In 2019, an Ontario company was fined $100,000 for improper handling and storage of e-waste materials that resulted in soil contamination. In addition to the fine, the company was required to remediate the affected area at a cost exceeding $500,000.

Best Practices for E-Waste Management

For Businesses

1. Develop an E-Waste Management Plan

  • Inventory all electronic equipment in use
  • Establish procedures for disposal when equipment reaches end-of-life
  • Train employees on proper e-waste handling procedures
  • Maintain documentation of all e-waste disposals

2. Implement Extended Equipment Lifecycles

  • Purchase durable, upgradeable equipment
  • Refurbish and repurpose older equipment where possible
  • Consider lease programs that include end-of-life management

3. Partner with Certified Recyclers

  • Verify that e-waste recyclers have appropriate certifications
  • Request documentation of proper disposal
  • Consider working with specialized IT asset disposition (ITAD) services

For Individuals

1. Utilize Provincial Collection Programs

  • Locate nearby drop-off locations through provincial program websites
  • Participate in special collection events
  • Never place electronics in regular garbage or recycling bins

2. Consider Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

  • Many electronics manufacturers offer recycling programs for their products
  • Retail take-back programs are available at stores like Best Buy, Staples, and Apple

3. Protect Personal Data

  • Perform secure data wiping on all devices before recycling
  • Remove and physically destroy hard drives if particularly sensitive information was stored

Emerging Trends in E-Waste Regulation

Several important developments are shaping the future of e-waste management in Canada:

1. Right to Repair Legislation

Several provinces are considering "right to repair" laws that would require manufacturers to provide repair information, tools, and parts to consumers and independent repair shops, potentially extending device lifespans and reducing e-waste.

2. Expanded Product Categories

Provincial programs are gradually expanding to include more types of electronics, such as vaping devices, small appliances, and electronic toys.

3. Harmonization Efforts

There are ongoing industry and government initiatives to harmonize e-waste programs across provinces, reducing complexity for businesses operating nationwide.

4. Zero Waste Goals

Several provinces have announced zero waste targets, which will likely result in stricter e-waste diversion requirements in coming years.

The Role of BertGurabbe Waste Management

At BertGurabbe Waste Management, we help businesses navigate the complex landscape of e-waste regulations through:

  • Compliance Consulting: Our team stays up-to-date on all provincial and federal regulations to ensure your business meets all requirements
  • E-Waste Collection Services: We provide secure, convenient collection of electronic waste from business locations
  • Certified Processing: We partner only with R2 and e-Stewards certified recycling facilities
  • Documentation: We provide complete documentation of proper disposal for your records
  • Data Security: We offer secure data destruction services to protect sensitive information

Conclusion

E-waste management in Canada is governed by a complex web of provincial programs and federal regulations. As electronic devices continue to proliferate and their lifecycles shorten, proper e-waste management becomes increasingly important—both for environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

By understanding the applicable regulations, implementing best practices, and working with certified service providers, businesses and individuals can ensure they're handling electronic waste responsibly while avoiding potential penalties.

For more information about e-waste management services or regulatory compliance assistance, contact BertGurabbe Waste Management today. Our experts can help you develop and implement an e-waste strategy that meets all legal requirements while maximizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact.