That old laptop collecting dust in your closet? The tablet with the cracked screen you gave up on? They don’t belong in the rubbish bin. Staples Canada electronics recycling offers a simple way to dispose of unwanted tech responsibly, and it won’t cost you a penny. With over 300 locations across the country, dropping off your old devices has never been more convenient.
At fyxters, we connect Canadians with vetted phone repair technicians to give devices a second life. But we also know that not every phone or gadget can be saved. When a repair isn’t worth the cost, or when you’re upgrading to something new, proper e-waste disposal matters. Electronics contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury that can leach into soil and water when tossed in landfills. Recycling keeps these toxins out of the environment and recovers valuable materials like copper, gold, and aluminium.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Staples Canada’s electronics recycling programme: what items they accept, what’s not allowed, how to prepare your devices, and how to find your nearest drop-off point. Whether you’re clearing out a junk drawer or responsibly retiring a phone that’s beyond repair, you’ll have a clear path forward by the end.
What Staples Canada accepts for electronics recycling
Staples Canada accepts a wide range of electronics through its free recycling programme. You can drop off computers, tablets, smartphones, and peripherals at any participating store during regular business hours. The programme also covers batteries, ink cartridges, and small appliances like printers and scanners. There’s no purchase required, and you don’t need to be a Staples customer to use the service.
Computers and peripherals
You can recycle desktop computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, and external hard drives at any Staples location. The programme accepts both working and non-working devices, so that broken laptop or outdated desktop tower qualifies. Cables, power adapters, and USB accessories are also welcome.
Printers, scanners, fax machines, and shredders fall under this category as well. If it plugs into a computer or has a USB port, Staples will likely take it. This includes external CD/DVD drives, webcams, and routers.
Staples accepts electronics in any condition, so you don’t need to worry if your device is damaged or no longer turns on.
Mobile devices and tablets
Smartphones, tablets, and e-readers are all accepted through staples canada electronics recycling. You can drop off any brand or model, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and older BlackBerrys. Mobile phone chargers, cases, and headphones are accepted too.
What you can’t recycle at Staples
Staples doesn’t accept large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or televisions. Fluorescent light bulbs, thermostats, and smoke detectors are also excluded. If you’re unsure about a specific item, ring your local store before making the trip.
Before you go: back up data and prep your devices
You need to protect your personal information before recycling any device. Old phones, tablets, and computers hold photos, passwords, banking details, and private messages. Taking a few minutes to back up what matters and wipe everything else ensures your data stays in your hands, not someone else’s.
Back up your important files
Transfer photos, documents, and contacts to cloud storage or an external hard drive before dropping off your device. For smartphones, use iCloud for iPhones or Google Drive for Android devices. Both services offer free storage tiers and automatic backup features.
On computers, copy important files to a USB drive or external hard drive. You can also use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store documents remotely. Make sure you verify the backup worked by opening a few files on your new device or storage location.
Wipe your device clean
After backing up, perform a factory reset to erase all personal data. On iPhones, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Android users can find the reset option under Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data.
Factory resets remove your accounts, passwords, and browsing history, but they don’t guarantee complete data destruction. For sensitive business devices, consider professional data wiping services.
Remove SIM cards and SD cards from phones before recycling through staples canada electronics recycling.
How to recycle electronics at Staples Canada in-store
Recycling electronics at Staples Canada requires no appointment or purchase. You simply walk into any participating location, bring your items to the customer service desk, and hand them over. The staff will accept your electronics and ensure they’re processed through the proper recycling channels. The entire process takes less than five minutes.
Find your nearest Staples location
Visit the Staples Canada website and use the store locator tool to find participating locations near you. Most stores across Canada accept electronics for recycling, but it’s worth confirming that your local shop participates in the programme. You can also ring ahead to verify that staples canada electronics recycling is available at your chosen location and to ask about any item-specific questions.
What to bring and when to go
Drop off your electronics during regular store hours, typically Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring your items in a box or bag for easier transport, especially if you’re recycling multiple devices at once. There’s no limit on the number of items you can recycle per visit.
You don’t need to bring receipts or proof of purchase. Staples accepts electronics regardless of where you bought them originally.
Recycling batteries, ink, and other hard-to-recycle items
Batteries and ink cartridges create unique recycling challenges because they contain chemicals and metals that require specialized handling. Staples canada electronics recycling accepts these items at all participating locations, making it convenient to dispose of household hazards properly. You don’t need to buy anything or recycle other electronics to drop off batteries or cartridges.
Battery recycling at Staples
Staples accepts single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) and rechargeable batteries (NiCd, NiMH, lithium-ion) at the customer service desk. You can drop off batteries from laptops, cameras, power tools, and cordless phones. Place loose batteries in a clear plastic bag before bringing them to the store to prevent short circuits during transport.
Rechargeable batteries last longer and reduce waste, but when they do fail, proper recycling prevents toxic metals from contaminating landfills.
Store button cell batteries (the small, flat ones in watches and hearing aids) with tape over both terminals to prevent them from touching metal objects.
Ink and toner cartridge recycling
Empty ink and toner cartridges from any brand qualify for recycling at Staples. Bring used cartridges in their original packaging if possible, or place them in a sealed bag to prevent ink residue from leaking. The programme accepts cartridges from HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and other major printer manufacturers.
If Staples can’t take it: other Canada options
Some items fall outside staples canada electronics recycling guidelines, but you still have responsible disposal options across Canada. Large appliances, televisions, and fluorescent bulbs require specialized recycling facilities that handle hazardous materials differently. Your municipality likely operates collection programmes specifically designed for these harder-to-recycle electronics.
Municipal e-waste depots
Most Canadian cities run free e-waste drop-off centres that accept televisions, large appliances, and fluorescent lights. Call your local municipality or visit their website to find collection dates and locations. Many cities schedule quarterly collection events where you can drop off items that Staples doesn’t accept.
Some municipalities offer curbside e-waste pickup on specific dates throughout the year. Toronto, for example, runs seasonal collection events where residents place old electronics at the curb for free pickup.
Municipal programmes often accept a wider range of electronics than retail stores, including large items that wouldn’t fit through a shop door.
Manufacturer take-back programmes
Apple, Samsung, and other major brands operate mail-in recycling programmes for their own products. Apple accepts iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks through their trade-in service, while Dell takes back computers and monitors directly. Visit the manufacturer’s website to request a prepaid shipping label for your old device.
Quick recap and next step
Staples Canada accepts computers, phones, tablets, batteries, and ink cartridges for free recycling at over 300 locations nationwide. You don’t need a receipt or purchase to drop off items, and the entire process takes less than five minutes at the customer service desk. Before recycling any device, back up your important data and perform a factory reset to protect your personal information. Remove SIM cards and SD cards from phones to prevent identity theft.
For items that staples canada electronics recycling doesn’t accept, like televisions and large appliances, check your municipal e-waste depot or manufacturer take-back programmes. When your phone is broken but repairable, consider fixing it instead of recycling. iPhone screen repair in Montreal connects you with vetted local technicians who offer transparent upfront pricing and same-day service, often at a fraction of replacement cost. Fixing extends your device’s life and keeps it out of the waste stream longer.