Since November 2012, our community members have had a new way to get rid of their broken or outdated electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, calculators, cameras, MP3 players, and tablets, along with chargers, cables, ink cartridges, CDs and other peripherals. How? By placing them in one of the 11 Électrobac recycling bins found on the campuses of participating institutions. In four months, some 1,520 kg – or over 1.5 tonnes – of batteries and small electronic equipment have been recycled! 

The permanent-bin installation project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the four establishments, but also because of a contribution from Fonds Éco IGA, including IGA Van Horne, and Jour de la Terre Québec (site in French only). The project builds on the Électrobac pilot project launched in November 2011 by HEC Montréal's Sustainable Development department and the COOP HEC Montréal. The earlier program was a success, with more than 700 kg of batteries and small electronics recycled in one year. 

The recycled electronics are sent to a processing centre in the Greater Montréal area (Dorval), minimizing transportation. The centre, certified by the Recycler Qualification Office, which is in turn governed by the Electronic Products Recycling Association (ARPE-Québec), refurbishes functioning electronics and recycles those that aren't, after erasing their personal data content. 

At Polytechnique Montréal, two Électrobacs are available for the following types of small electronics:

• Cellular phones
• GPS devices, tablets, CD and MP3 players
• Digital cameras and video cameras, calculators
• Batteries
• Inkjet cartridges
• CDs and DVDs
• Other peripherals (cables, chargers, mice, etc.)

The bins are located near Coopoly (second floor, main building) and the computer labs (near L-6657, 6th floor, Lassonde building).

Other ways to recycle electronics:

Ink cartridges (laser printers)

Empty ink cartridges used by the services and departments can be returned to merchandise receiving (Room C-116). Cartridges are recycled for the Mira Foundation.

Computer supplies

A screened-in blue steel bin is available for recycling your computers, screens, keyboards and other equipment that can't be placed in the Électrobac. The blue bin is located next to the Électrobac near computer lab L-6657, on the 6th floor of the Lassonde building. The materials are recycled by Canadian corporation e-Cycle, recently opened in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

 Photo: Left to right

• Ludivine Mas, Director of Programs and the IGA Eco Fund, Jour de la Terre Québec
• Pierre Batellier, Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, HEC Montréal
• Anne Roudaut, Environmental Advisor, Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf
• Marc-André Cyrenne, Manager, IGA Van Horne
• Stéphane Béranger, Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, Université de Montréal
• Louise Millette, Director of the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering and head of the Bureau du développement durable (sustainable development office), Polytechnique Montréal
• Matthieu Decoste, Environmental Advisor, Polytechnique Montréal
• Pierre Lussier, Director, Jour de la Terre Québec

See also:

Website for sustainable development at Polytechnique Montréal