Disposing of electronic equipment in the federal government

June 2014

Every year, the federal government purchases large quantities of electronic and electrical equipment, including computers, office and audiovisual equipment, and telecom, security, laboratory and medical devices. The government maximizes the life of the equipment it owns through extended warranties, repair and refurbishment, but when it is time for it to be replaced, surplus equipment no longer suitable for reuse is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

“Proper disposal of e-waste is a key element of the federal government’s greening government operations agenda,” said Saaka Minimaana, Director of Policy Development, Office of Greening Government Operations, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). “PWGSC was the lead department on this initiative on behalf of the government.”

In February 2010, the department established an e-waste strategy for the environmentally sound and secure management of all federal surplus electronic and electrical equipment. This strategy calls on the engagement and expertise of a number of federal organizations.

For example, in accordance with the Policy on Government Security, federal departments and agencies are responsible for protecting their assets and information to ensure the continued delivery of services that contribute to the health, safety, economic well-being and security of Canadians. So before disposing of electronic equipment, federal organizations must ensure data is extracted or destroyed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Communications Security Establishment Canada determine requirements for the secure destruction of information on electronic media.

For computer equipment that can be reused, Industry Canada, through the Computers for Schools Program, provides federal organizations with a ready outlet that benefits many communities.

“Emphasizing reuse wherever possible, the government offers surplus computers and related equipment to Industry Canada’s Computers for Schools program,” added Mr. Minimaana.

Other types of electronic equipment that are still functional are sold to the public via PWGSC’s GCSurplus. In some cases, equipment may be transferred to organizations in other levels of government or to non-profit organizations. Enabling reuse extends the useful life of equipment, maximizing its overall value and delaying consumption of raw material and energy to produce new products.

Equipment not suitable for reuse is recycled. Here again, federal organizations have provided their expertise: Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada provide technical advice on how to handle e-waste in an environmentally sound way. Where possible, unusable equipment is directed to provincial e-waste recycling programs. Equipment not covered by provincial programs is disposed of by companies listed on the Government of Canada’s standing offer for e-waste recycling services.

By ensuring that surplus electronics are reused, wherever possible, and by ensuring that e-waste is directed to qualified recyclers, the federal government is taking steps to help prevent this material from ending up in landfills, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally sound disposal.

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