Where to Recycle Cables and Chargers in Ottawa (2026)

Ottawa residents disposing of an old Cables and Chargers can choose between retailer trade-in, council bulky-waste collection, and dedicated e-waste recyclers. Compare the options below.

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 03 April 2026

Where can residents in Ottawa recycle their cables and chargers?

Residents of Ottawa looking to recycle cables and chargers have several convenient options. The Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) has drop-off locations across the city, including major retailers like Canada Computers and Staples Canada. These stores offer free recycling services for a variety of electronic waste.

According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.

Free Drop-Off Points for Cables and Chargers in Ottawa

Major electronics retailers such as Staples Canada and Canada Computers participate in EPRA's provincial programme, allowing residents to drop off cables and chargers without charge. Additionally, the City of Ottawa's Environmental Services department lists designated recycling centres where you can dispose of these items free of cost.

Cables and chargers contain valuable materials like copper and plastic that require careful handling during disposal. It's important to remove any batteries from your devices before dropping them off at a collection site, as batteries are considered hazardous waste if not properly recycled. Data wiping isn't necessary for cables and chargers since they don't typically store personal information.

Special Handling Requirements

Before recycling cables and chargers, ensure you safely dispose of any batteries inside the items. This precaution helps prevent potential fires or environmental hazards associated with improper battery disposal. Removing batteries makes it easier to recycle each component separately.

Trade-In Options for Working Cables and Chargers

If your cables and chargers are still functional but no longer needed, consider trading them in at stores like Staples Canada, where you might receive credit towards future purchases. For example, a high-quality USB cable could fetch up to $10 if it's still operational.

What Happens to Recycled Cables and Chargers

Recycling cables and chargers allows for the recovery of valuable materials such as copper, plastic, and precious metals. After collection, these items are processed at recycling facilities where the components are separated and cleaned before being sold to manufacturers who use them in new products. This process not only reduces landfill waste but also conserves resources by reducing the need for virgin raw materials.

Cables and chargers recycling in Ottawa plays a important role in protecting both human health and the environment. By responsibly disposing of these items, residents help minimize pollution caused by electronic waste and support the recovery of valuable resources. As of 2019, EPRA reported that over 43 million kilograms of electronics were recycled across Canada, demonstrating the significant impact recycling can have on reducing environmental harm.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

For more information on where to recycle cables and chargers in Ottawa, visit the City of Ottawa's Environmental Services website or contact local retailers participating in EPRA's programme.

Sources

• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024