Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing source of waste in North America. UBC offers an e-waste recycling program for UBC community members to recycle their computers, monitors and electronic accessories responsibly.

Rapid advances in technology result in obsolete electronic equipment, which often ends up in the landfill. E-waste does not decompose and can cause toxic substances like arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel to leach into soil and water. Therefore, responsible stewardship of e-waste is essential.

E-Waste Recycling Program

UBC Waste Management operates the E-Waste Recycling program. Campus community members can drop off their departmental e-waste and personal e-waste at the University Services Building, Room 0150, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Departmental e-waste collection can be arranged through department Facilities Managers. For more detailed information, including accepted items and fees, visit the UBC Waste Management website.

Resources

If you’d like to contact a recycler outside of UBC, we suggest:

• Freegeek Vancouver, a Basel Action Network ‘e-Steward’
• Encorp Pacific, which operates under the BC Electronic Product Stewardship Plan

For more information on e-waste, check out the Basel Action Network.

Or read the article on students and faculty members at the UBC Graduate School of Journalism who won an Emmy Award for an investigative news documentary that explores the health and environmental impacts of electronic waste.