TVs, computers and electronics: where to recycle them in Metro Vancouver

Old TVs, laptops and printers can't go in the garbage in BC, but getting rid of them is usually free. The province runs a recycling program funded by a fee you already paid when you bought the item. Here's what it takes, where to drop things off, and what to do about the data on your devices first.

Why electronics can't go in the garbage

Electronics and electrical products are on Metro Vancouver's list of product stewardship materials: they have their own take-back program, so they're banned from garbage loads, and a load containing them is surcharged (Metro Vancouver Disposal Ban Program Manual, checked 21 September 2026).

Drop-off is free

Residents and businesses can drop off unwanted electronics free of charge at an EPRA British Columbia drop-off location. The program is paid for by an Environmental Handling Fee charged when new electronics are sold, so there's nothing more to pay at the depot (Recycle My Electronics BC FAQs, checked 5 October 2026).

What the program takes

The BC program accepts a long list of categories (What can I recycle?, checked 5 October 2026), including:

• TVs and display devices, monitors included
• Desktop and portable computers, plus keyboards, mice and other computer peripherals
• Desktop printers and multi-function devices, and floor-standing photocopiers
• Cell phones and non-cellular phones
• Home audio and video systems, and personal audio and video players
• Video gaming systems and accessories
• Kitchen countertop appliances, floor care, garment care, and personal care and beauty devices
• Power tools, exercise machines, musical instruments, e-bikes and e-scooters

Large appliances like fridges and washers go through a different program; see how to get rid of an old fridge or freezer.

Before you drop anything off: your data

The program is clear that wiping devices is your job: "Consumers and businesses are responsible for ensuring that all personal data is removed from their electronic devices prior to bringing them to one of our drop-off locations" (Recycle My Electronics BC FAQs, checked 5 October 2026).

• Phones and tablets: back up, sign out of your accounts, then do a factory reset.
• Computers: back up, then erase the drive with the operating system's reset tool, or take the hard drive out and keep it.
• Printers and copiers: many store scanned documents; check the maker's instructions for clearing memory.

Where to drop off

Use the drop-off location finder to find the nearest depot that takes what you have.

When a pickup makes more sense

Dropping off is free, but it means loading everything up and finding a depot that takes all of it. If you're clearing a home office, a basement full of old equipment or a business, we load the electronics and route them to registered BC electronics recyclers. See e-waste removal and our pricing page. Wipe your data before we arrive.

Common questions

Can I leave an old TV at the curb?

No. Electronics are banned from garbage loads, and leaving them out is illegal dumping. Drop it off free or book a pickup.

Is there a charge to recycle a TV?

Not at an EPRA BC drop-off location. The recycling fee was charged when the TV was sold.

Do businesses get the same free drop-off?

Yes. The program's free drop-off covers residents and businesses alike.

Need electronics picked up? Call 604-348-7640 or get a free quote.

Sources: Recycle My Electronics BC and the Metro Vancouver Disposal Ban Program Manual, checked 5 October 2026.