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As electronics become more embedded in everyday life, the question of what happens when those devices reach the end of their use matters more than ever. That’s where the Electronic Products Recycling Association, better known as EPRA, comes in.
As an industry-led, not-for-profit organization, EPRA operates regulated electronics recycling programs across Canada, helping businesses and consumers recycle responsibly while keeping harmful waste out of landfills.
“ EPRA/Recycle My Electronics programs make electronics recycling accessible through our network of approved dropoff locations, retail partnerships and special collection events. Accessibility for collection is central to our mandate, whether it’s in an urban centre or a remote community, there’s a dropoff location within 30 minutes of most Canadians and plenty, right here, in Barrie and surrounding area.”
— Pierre Prim, Vice President, Operations, EPRA
Through its Recycle My Electronics program, EPRA has diverted more than 1.3 million tonnes of electronic waste from landfills and illegal export. It’s a national effort with a very practical goal: make electronics recycling safe, accessible, and environmentally sound, no matter where you live or do business.
How the Program Works
EPRA oversees a large network of authorized collection sites across Canada, including drop-off depots, return-to-retail locations, and special collection events. With more than 3,150 approved locations nationwide, recycling end-of-life electronics is designed to be straightforward and convenient.
Once collected, electronics are transported to specialized, audited recyclers approved by EPRA.
There, advanced processing technology breaks devices down into reusable materials such as glass, plastics, and valuable metals like copper and gold. At the same time, substances of concern like mercury and lead are handled carefully to protect both the environment and the workers involved.
The recovered materials are then returned to the manufacturing supply chain, supporting a more circular and sustainable economy.
Built for Businesses and Communities
While the program is widely used by consumers, EPRA’s Recycle My Electronics initiative also plays a key role for businesses, municipalities, and organizations that generate larger volumes of electronic waste. EPRA works directly with partners to create custom recycling solutions that meet regulatory requirements while accounting for local logistics and operational needs.
This flexibility allows organizations to recycle responsibly without navigating complex regulations on their own. It also helps ensure that electronics are collected, transported, and processed securely, reducing the risk of improper handling or data exposure.
Safety, Security, and Accountability
As a recognized Producer Responsibility Organization, EPRA is accountable for managing electronics recycling on behalf of producers, retailers, and distributors.
All recyclers participating in the Recycle My Electronics program must meet strict safety and environmental standards and are audited against rigorous requirements that align with internationally recognized practices.
The Recycle My Electronics leaf logo serves as a simple but powerful signal for consumers and businesses alike.
Seeing it means the electronics will be handled responsibly, securely, and in compliance with provincial regulations.
A Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Electronics
EPRA’s mission goes beyond recycling.
The organization aims to be Canada’s leading provider of product stewardship programs, delivering solutions that are compliant, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. By helping people recycle electronics properly today, EPRA is working toward a future where electronic waste no longer poses a risk to communities or the environment.
