As a web developer, I have come to own a lot of electronics in my life. I feel shame when I think that we were all told to simply throw away what broke in the 90s and 00s.
In 2022, it’s inconceivable to create waste that we know won’t go away. So what are our options?
Reselling or getting credit for a replacement
Obviously, if the item still works, it’s pretty easy to find a buyer through Kijiji, Marketplace, or eBay.
For an old phone or computer, you might be worried about leaving sensitive data on the hard drives if you’re not comfortable with refactoring the drive. That’s why I am happy to see that companies like Apple now offer to take back your electronics with their Trade-In program. Google also offers a similar program for phones only.
Recycling the parts
If your electronics are too old to find a buyer or get credit back for them, then recycling becomes the last best option.
If they’re small, like a bunch of cables or a computer mouse, there are many drop-off bins across the city including at Jean-Talon metro.
For bigger items, like computers and their peripherals, the simplest option is to head to Best Buy. Bonus: they also take used batteries!
Extra: Water filters
If you live in a neighbourhood with lead in the water, as I do, water filters are necessary. It’s disappointing that the city doesn’t offer any solution for those. For now, here’s what I could find:
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Brita has a program with TerraCycle
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ZeroWater has a form to ship them back for credit
Photo by Davide Boscolo on Unsplash