Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Electronic waste will quickly become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world due to the rapid rate at which technology advances and new products and models are released (Waste Reduction Week Canada). Waste Reduction Week Canada said electronic waste reached 53.6 million metric tonnes globally last year. To learn more about the importance of proper electronic recycling and disposal, visit Waste Reduction Week Canada's resource page.
What is considered Electronic Waste?
We define "e-waste" as any damaged or obsolete item that operates on batteries or plugs into a wall. Some of the most common items discarded as electronic waste on the University of Guelph campus include computer keyboards, monitors, and wireless mouses.
How can I properly dispose of Electronic Waste?
Please submit a work order request to have your item(s) picked up and detail what thing (s) need to be collected and properly disposed of. If you would like to request the delivery of an electronic waste bin or the pickup of an electronic waste bin, please email wo@pr.uoguelph.ca.
The email must include the following information:
Subject: E-Waste Bin Request
Name: Primary contact who will be arranging the e-waste bin exchange
Building: bldg. # and bldg. name
Room #:
Specific Instructions:
Example Email:
To: wo@pr.uoguelph.ca
Subject: E-Waste Bin Request, J.C. Hersey Building
Name John Smith, ext. 53723
Building: 060, J.C. Hersey Building
Room #: 010
Specific Instructions: Please deliver 1 Small E-Waste Bin, Room 010. If the room is locked, the Administrative Assistant can open the door.
Drop-off Locations
| Building | Location |
| Johnston Hall | The black TechWreckers bins are behind the Johnston Hall basement. |
| Paint Shop | The black TechWreckers bin is located inside the paint shop. |
| Day Hall | The black TechWreckers bin is located behind Day Hall (near the Bullring) |
Laboratory Equipment (Lab Waste)
Unwanted or damaged lab equipment must be disposed of through the lab equipment decommissioning process. Environmental Health and Safety operate this disposal service Environmental Health and Safety. You can contact them to arrange proper disposal by calling ext. 53282 or emailing lab.safety@uoguelph.ca.
Batteries
On the University of Guelph campus, batteries are classified as hazardous waste.
PLEASE DO NOT place batteries into the garbage or recycling streams.
To have someone collect your dead or unused batteries, you must fill out this form: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jmkJrKTZThpuKx.
Before completing this form, hazardous waste must be packaged, labelled and stored appropriately.
If you're unsure how to dispose of your hazardous waste, please visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/hr-services-environmental-health-safety-programs-laboratory-safety/hazardous-waste.
The deadline for form submission is Friday at 10:00 am, and hazardous waste pick-up is every Tuesday.
Inkjet and Toner Cartridges
Please see our page on toner cartridge recycling for more detailed instructions, or visit our Waste Wizard.
Off-campus Options
Electronic waste can be dropped off to take-back programs at retailers and service locations around Guelph. To find an up-to-date list, visit recycleyourelectronics.ca.
If you are still determining if an item is recyclable, please check on the City of Guelph's Waste Wizard.
