Electronics RECYCLING PROGRAM
Eligible Products and Fees
Following is the list of eligible electronics in Alberta’s Electronics Recycling Program and the environmental fees charged on the sale of new products effective October 1, 2021.
Televisions, monitors and all-in-one computers (processing unit combined with a monitor):
- Less than 30" screen size - $2.50
- 30" screen size or larger - $6.00
- $2.00
- $0.80
- $3.00
More Detailed Information
For more detailed information please see the current Products, Definitions, and Fees.
Electronics expanded
Since 2004, Albertans have been recycling their end-of-life TVs and computer equipment and starting September 1, 2020, the list is EXPANDING under a pilot project for which the data collected will inform our provincial government and others on how they can advance electronics recycling in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Electronics are one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Technology continues to evolve at an incredibly rapid pace, making electronics like TVs or computers easy to replace. The challenge of this rapid replacement is that these electronics contain some measure of potentially poisonous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and others—which makes them toxic if not dealt with properly. ARMA works closely with municipalities and processors across the province to ensure electronics are recycled safely and responsibly.
Televisions and computer equipment are accepted for recycling at municipal collection sites throughout Alberta. See our ePilot Electronics page for the list of expanded products that can be recycled under our pilot project.
Electronics are picked up from municipal collection sites, businesses, schools, universities, etc. across the province by registered Electronics Processors. These processors safely disassemble them and separate each of the different materials according to the program's requirements. Commodities like metals, plastics, and glass are collected and sold to be made into new products. The materials processed in Alberta’s electronics recycling program are processed locally and are not sent to, or ‘dumped’ into developing countries.
Electronics contain a number of valuable materials that can be broken down and reused. The steel, aluminum and copper metal found in the wires, cables, and circuitry is used as feedstock for new products. The glass from television and computer screens is melted down, separating the lead, and reused in the manufacture of new products. The plastic from the cases, keyboards, and mice is processed to produce plastic flakes or pellets used to make new consumer products.
The electronics recyclers registered with ARMA adhere to registered processor compliance requirements to ensure the safe and proper disposal of personal information found on devices. However, ARMA recommends wiping your device or hard drive before dropping it off at a collection site to give yourself additional peace of mind.
No, a primary objective of the program is to prevent end-of-life computer equipment and TVs from being shipped to developing countries where environmental and safety abuses may occur. Material is processed at registered recycler sites based in Alberta.
In May 2020 the Government of Alberta approved a two-year pilot project to expand the types of end-of-life electronics products that will be accepted through the program. Learn more.
Printer ink and toner cartridges are considered peripheral items within the electronics program and therefore may be accepted in small amounts at your local electronics recycling depot. Please check the Depot Finder to find a location near you and call them to verify that they will accept these items.
Additionally, you can find a list of manufacturers and how they manage their cartridges at https://everycartridge.com/canada/.
Currently, 4-H Alberta collects old electronics and tires from farms, acreages, and residences, as part of a fundraising initiative, please contact your local club for more information. You can also contact one of our registered processors to arrange a pick-up.
The majority of electronics recycling depots accept end-of-life electronics from businesses. Search the Depot Finder to locate an electronics recycling depot near you and give them a call to verify acceptance of your material.
They are picked up by registered recyclers and transported to their facilities, all located in Alberta. The products are disassembled into metals, glass, and plastic. These commodities are then shipped to approved companies for further processing or manufacturing into new products.
Yes, the Electronics Recycling Roundup is designed to encourage schools, non-profit organizations, and community groups to increase awareness of recycling and raise funds for their organization (or on behalf of an organization), while making it easier for Albertans to recycle their old electronics. Click here for more information on this fundraising opportunity.
Environmental Fee Info
The environmental fees Albertans pay when purchasing new electronics helps fund the cost to recycle them.
Albertans are some of the most dedicated recyclers in the world. Residents and businesses have recycled 11.2 million electronics since 2004. Registered electronics processors broke down this material at their approved facilities right here in Alberta, separating it into various metals, glass, and plastic. These recovered commodities were then shipped for manufacturing into new computer components or industrial metal products, to name a few of the end uses for your old electronics.