Options to Reuse and Recycle Used Electronic Equipment.

Consumers and businesses can drop off program products at any SARCAN depot without charge to be recycled responsibly. Prior to taking it to SARCAN, you should consider the following options:

Can someone in your family or perhaps your friends use the equipment?

When you upgrade your systems, consider 'handing-down' surplus equipment to your immediate family or circle of friends. Let people know you have bought new equipment, and see if they are interested in inheriting your components.

Can you donate it to a worthwhile cause?

Check with your local municipality, chamber of commerce, yellow pages or the Internet for organizations that may have a need for your equipment. You might even receive a receipt for tax purposes!

Can you sell it?

There are people looking for components or complete systems who may be interested in purchasing your equipment. If your equipment is saleable, advertise it through your local electronic bulletin board or community newspaper.

Can it be refurbished?

It is often possible to extend the life of your electronics by upgrading or replacing its parts. Check your local municipality, chamber of commerce, yellow pages or the Internet to find out if there are charities, businesses or individuals in your community that will take old electronics in order to refurbish them for resale. It is important that you ensure that the organization or business will handle your old electronics responsibly.

The Electronic Stewardship Association of British Columbia has a list of questions to ask any reuse organization in order to ensure that they handle the material in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

Perhaps the original manufacturer or retailer has a take back program.

Some manufacturers take back their own brands for a modest fee. Check the web site of the manufacturer of the product to see if a program is available. From time-to-time large electronics stores will also offer a 'take-back' day at local stores. Watch for information on local programs in your area.

Recycling with SARCAN

All electronic equipment on the accepted equipment list can be recycled by dropping it off at any SARCAN location in Saskatchewan. There is no charge to take equipment to SARCAN nor is there a refund on this equipment.  The Environmental Handling Fees charged on the sale of new electronic equipment are used to pay for the cost of recycling.

For a comprehensive list of reuse and recycling options in Saskatchewan check out the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council's searchable database.