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Electronics & Batteries

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Electronics and batteries cannot be collected with your garbage or recycling – they contain heavy metals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Electronics are filled with valuable resources like glass, plastic, gold, silver, copper, palladium and more. These components can be recycled when handled properly.

 

 

 

Electronics Recycling

Consider donating your electronics first!

Electronic equipment in good working condition should be donated to a local charity, such as the Salvation Army Thrift Store or ReStore Markham. Always call ahead to confirm if your item is acceptable. If the item no longer works, drop off at York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot. Residential customers only.

Remove data and batteries before recycling

  • Protect your privacy! Clear all personal information from computers, cell phones and electronics prior to drop off. The City is not responsible for personal information contained on your electronic devices.
  • Remove all batteries from electronic items

Accepted:

*Always separate batteries from your device. 

  • Cameras
  • Cell phones, telephones, pagers and fax machines
  • Computer accessories, keyboards and mouse
  • Computer towers, laptops and modems (limit of four per visit)
  • Monitors, printers, scanners and typewriters
  • Televisions (limit of two per visit)
  • VCRs, DVD players, radios, stereos and speakers
  • Video games and consoles

Not Accepted:

*Always separate batteries from your device. 

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (go in your clear bag garbage)
  • Remote controls(go in your clear bag garbage)
  • Smoke detectors/alarms (go in your clear bag garbage)
  • VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and cassettes (in good working condition should be donated, broken ones go in your clear bag garbage)
  • Small appliances (in good working condition should be donated, broken ones go in your clear bag garbage)
  • Microwaves (Drop off at a Markham Recycling Depot)
  • Refrigerated appliances, air conditioners and water coolers (Book and pay for a collection appointment by calling 905.477.5530)
  • Thermostats with mercury (drop off at York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot)
Battery Recycling

Battery Recycling

Batteries contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals — keep all batteries out of landfill and incineration to reduce soil and water pollution.

All single use and rechargeable batteries can be recycled. For safe recycling, batteries must be sorted, separate alkaline from lithium-ion.

Alkaline Batteries

  • A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button
  • Store in a clear, plastic bag
  • Keep away from heat

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many devices, including cell phones, laptops, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, and toys.

  • Do not put lithium-ion batteries together as these batteries have the highest potential for igniting; store separately
  • Seal terminals with clear packing or electrical tape
  • Store in a clear, plastic bag

Safety Tips:

  • NEVER place in your clear bag garbage, blue box or green bin
  • Store batteries in a plastic zipper-style bag, keep at room temperature, away from heat
  • Do not place batteries in direct sunlight or keep in hot vehicles
  • Avoid crushing, bending, or dropping a device and charger

Drop-off Locations

Remove batteries from bag when dropping off.

Additional Resources:

Hazardous Waste and Special Items (York Region)

Battery Guide

Drop Off Locator 

York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot

Drop off your unwanted electronics to the York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot

Rodick Road, south of Miller Ave.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Closed

Civic and statutory holidays