Where can I return my electronics?

You can return your electronics to any one of SARCAN’s 71 depots.  For a listing of all SARCAN Recycling depots in Saskatchewan, click here.

What are SARCAN’s hours of operation?

Hours of operation vary across the province.  For a listing of depot hours of operation, click here.

Which electronics are included in the program?

As of April 1, 2010, SARCAN is able to collect various video equipment, audio equipment, telephones, and cameras in addition to televisions and computers.  For a listing of the electronics that SARCAN can accept, click here.

Will I get money back when I bring in my electronics?

No, you will not get money for the electronics you return to SARCAN.  The electronics recycling program is not a deposit-refund system.  Customers do not pay a deposit on electronic equipment at point of purchase; therefore, customers do not get a refund when returning to the depot.

How many items can I bring in per day?

Customers are permitted to return a maximum of 25 pieces of electronics per day, unless an appointment has been made with the depot you are returning them to.

How can I return a large volume of electronics?

For information on returning a large volume of electronics, click here.

What can I do with electronics that SARCAN does not take?

There are a number of electronics and appliances that SARCAN does not take that still can be recycled.  For information on how to recycle these electronics, please visit the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s website.  The manufacturer of your electronics may also be able to provide you with an environmentally safe disposal solution.

Where does the collected electronics go?

To see what happens to the electronics after they are returned to SARCAN, refer to the Where Does It Go? page.

If I return my used computer for recycling, how do I know my personal information won’t be seen?

SARCAN’s dismantling facilities drill a hold though each hard drive to make sure the information on the drives cannot be readily accessed.  From there, the drives are shredded and melted down and separated into component materials.  Due to a set of extensive environmental qualification standards imposed upon SARCAN Recycling, our dismantling sites, and all our downstream processors, we are not permitted to access or reuse any pieces of electronics without the consent of the customer, nor can we sell materials to processors who will engage in similar practices.

Are any electronics collected by SARCAN sent to third world countries?

No.  100% of the electronics collected by SARCAN are dismantled in Canada.  All of the component materials salvaged from these dismantling operations are disposed of in Canada and the United States.  To see what happens to the electronics after they are returned to SARCAN, refer to the Where Does It Go? page.

Is it important to re-use before recycling?

Yes.  We encourage users to first think about reusing their products before bringing them to a SARCAN depot for recycling.  If still in working condition, consider if there are ways that friends and family can use the item or if it could be donated to a local charity.  There are also a number of companies that reuse and/or resell electronics in Saskatchewan, but before you send materials to them you will want to ask them if they ship electronics overseas, if they have policies in place to ensure the security of personal data found on your electronics, and how they recycle any electronics and components that they cannot reuse.

Can I get used computer parts from SARCAN?

Customers bring end-of-life electronics for the sole purpose of recycling them.  As such, we do not allow any of the electronics collected at SARCAN depots to be refurbished, resold, or otherwise reused after they are collected.  There are many electronics refurbishers and repair shops across the province that may be able to help you find parts.

Will SARCAN pick up my electronics?

No.  SARCAN does not operate a pick-up program.

What is SWEEP?

SWEEP stands for Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program. It is a non-profit corporation established by manufacturers, retailers, and other stakeholders for the purpose of coordinating the collection and recycling of obsolete electronic equipment under the Environmental Management and Protection Act.  SWEEP contracts with SARCAN Recycling to collect obsolete electronics and coordinate the disassembly of the equipment and recycling of its component parts.

How is the program funded?

The Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP) is funded by environmental handling fees (EHFs) paid when you purchase new electronic equipment.  EHFs are used only to cover SWEEP program expenses such as depot costs, transportation, recycling, and consumer information; no part of the EHF is remitted to government.  The EHF is not a tax and is not a refundable deposit.  For a listing of fees, visit SWEEP’s website. 

Why is the electronic recycling program important?

Electronic waste contains valuable resources such as metals that can and should be recycled.  Steel, glass, copper, aluminum, plastic, and precious metals can be extracted and reused in new products.  In addition, they contain hazardous materials that could pose environmental problems in landfills.  This program ensures that electronics are processed and recycled in a safe and environmentally sound manner, thereby keeping them out of landfills.