Convenient Computer Recycling in Ottawa

Today I dropped by Heartwood House to drop off my old computer bits and pieces, all those obsolete electronics that have been cluttering up the house. Heartwood House, which is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa at Rideau and Chapel, is home to the Everybody Wins Computer Recycling Program.

The Everybody Wins program accepts all types of computer hardware: towers, drives, mice, cables, keyboards, monitors, printers, speakers, disc-burners, even CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Heartwood House ask for a donation of $2 each time you donate, to cover their administrative expenses. They also charge a $20 fee for each old-style CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors because of the special processing they require due to the lead and other hazardous chemicals they contain. (By weight, CRT monitors are composed of a shocking 25% lead). On the other hand, for each tower you bring in that is 6 years old or younger, they will give you a tax receipt for $15-$25.

The actual electronics recycling is done by the local company RDLong Computers who have made it their mission to divert as much end-of-life electronics from landfill sites to alternative re-use and re-cycle streams as possible. Heartwood House, home to 16 charities, receives a portion of the recycling proceeds RDLong generates. RDLong also donates some of the salvaged, still usable computers to The Anti-Poverty Project, a local charity that provides computer systems, software and education services to groups around the National Capital Region that work with low-income individuals providing internet access and opportunities to improve computer skills and employability.

Everybody Wins Computer Recycling Program, Heartwood House, 153 Chapel Street, 613-323-178

Hours September to June: Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 7:00pm, Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm

Hours June to August: Monday – Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am to 7:00pm, Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm