Christmas time is when we get the latest gadgets. While there is nothing wrong with getting the newest tech, but most of our old cellphones, batteries and other electronic gadgets fall by the wayside and end up collecting dust because we don’t know what to do with them.
For those looking to try and keep their e-waste down this time of year, here are a few things you can do!
Greener electronics
Organizations like Greenpeace have compiled a list evaluating electronic companies’ commitment and progress on reducing their environmental footprint.
Think twice before you throw your gadget in the bin
Properly dispose your items through disposal hazardous waste facilities and see if your mobile phone provider conducts a mobile recycling program. Alternatively, ask your electronics manufacturers if they have a take-back policy or trade-in programs.
Reconsider whether you need new gadgets
If your electronics is still within its functional capacity, the latest update might not be worth the added social and environmental cost.
Quinte Waste Solutions has added a second electronic waste drop off location for your convenience. E-waste can now be dropped off in Trenton at the Material Recovery Facility (recycling plant) at 270 West St. during these hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30am-2:30pm only
The following e-waste items are accepted:
- printer cartridges (HP, Canon, Lexmark, Brother, Samsung)
- printers, desktop copiers, scanners
- laptops, desktops, hardrives
- monitors, TVs
- keyboards, mice, cables and wires
- power supplies
- servers, routers
- Christmas lights
- phones, cellphones, tablets, pagers, GPS
- gaming consoles
- AV equipment incl. stereos, amplifiers, radios, speakers, cameras, DVD and VHS players
- telecom equipment
Microwaves are only accepted at the Belleville depot at this time. Hazardous Waste is accepted only at the Belleville depot.
When you arrive, please check in at the office so that we can ensure what you have is electronic waste. Any resident from the nine municipalities serviced by Quinte Waste Solutions is welcome.
Quinte Waste Solutions is a member of Ontario Electronic Stewardship.