[Note: Electronic devices can contain personal data that should be removed before donating, re-selling or recycling]

What are they? 

Computers are getting smaller and screens are getting bigger; tablets and smart phones are getting smaller AND bigger; TVs and computers are becoming the same product … who can keep up? All these innovations and cool new gadgets lead to increasing amounts of electronic waste (e-waste). Because technology advances at such a high rate, many electronic devices become “trash” after a few short years of use.  

Small appliances like kettles, toasters, coffee makers, blenders, hair dryers, electric toothbrushes and vacuums, while containing fewer electronic components than computers and TVs, still need end of life solutions.

What is the issue? 

Electronics contain valuable metals such as silver, palladium and copper that can be harvested to make new products. E-waste can include toxic ingredients such as flame retardants, lead and mercury. Recycling electronic waste keeps potentially harmful substances out of landfills. 

Small appliances are replaced frequently due to wear and tear, changing styles, or relatively low replacement costs. These items contain a mix of metals, plastics, wiring, circuit boards, and sometimes batteries, which can pose environmental risks when disposed of.

Where can it go? 

In Canada, all provinces have programs to recycle electronic waste. The majority of these are operated by Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA), an industry-led, non-profit organization. EPRA follows a strict standard for how electronics are handled that incorporates provisions for worker safety, data security, and responsible e-waste recycling. In Saskatchewan, EPRA-SK/Recycle My Electronics collects electronics via SARCAN depots, some retailers, some municipal landfills / transfer stations and community collection events. EPRA-SK is funded through Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) that are applied on the sale of all new electronic products. The program also collects directly from larger businesses and institutions. The collected electronics are shipped to approved processors within North America where the materials are broken down into the various metals, plastics and glasses. This materials is reintroduced to the manufacturing supply chain and used in the production of new products.  

If the item is a product that EPRA-SK/Recycle My Electronics does not accept, check our Waste Reduction Hub for other options.

Small appliances and power tools are in the process of being added to the EPRA program in Saskatchewan, with regulations approved in August 2025. Implementation dates haven’t been set.

What happens after? 

Once collected, the products are sent to audited and approved recyclers for processing, where they are broken down and sorted into their components. Materials such as glass, plastic, and metals are recovered and put back into the manufacturing stream to make new products. Substances of concern, such as mercury and lead, are dealt with in an environmentally safe manner. Check out EPRA’s The Journey of End-of-Life Electronics .

How can I reduce?