Technology has an environmental cost. OPEQ takes that responsibility seriously.
Every year in Quebec, thousands of computers, servers, phones, and monitors become obsolete. Too often, they end up in landfills, releasing toxic substances into the soil and air. Since 1998, OPEQ has made it its mission to break this cycle, by giving a second life to equipment that deserves one, and by ensuring that the rest is handled safely and responsibly.
This mission is built on a formalized, audited approach. View our Environment, Health, Safety and Security Policy →
OUR PROCESS
All equipment entrusted to us passes through our sorting centres, where it is inspected, tested, cleaned, and securely wiped. From there, two paths are possible:
- Functional and performing devices are sent to our workshops to be refurbished and redistributed to our beneficiaries.
- Devices that are too defective or outdated to be reused are dismantled and sent to certified recyclers, selected for their compliance with the strictest environmental standards. OPEQ works only with recycling partners who share our commitment to environmental responsibility.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
- More than 80,000 devices collected every year.
- More than 18,000 tonnes of materials diverted from landfills.
- Thousands of tonnes of toxic waste prevented from contaminating our soil and groundwater.
- Refurbishing is 10 times more effective than new manufacturing at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These results are recognized. OPEQ holds ISO 14001: 2015 certification from the Bureau de normalisation du Québec, Elite Level attestation under RECYC-QUÉBEC’s ICI on recycle+ program, and is a Circular 21 Award recipient for reducing 1,466 t CO₂e in 2024. View all our certifications and distinctions →
REUSE, WELL BEFORE RECYCLING
When equipment is entrusted to us, our first question is not “how do we recycle it” — it is “how do we give it a new life.” Refurbishing is 10 times more effective than recycling at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, compared to manufacturing a new computer. Every refurbished device represents resources preserved, energy saved, and emissions avoided.
Only after exhausting every possibility for reuse do we direct a device toward recycling.
DO YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT TO DONATE?
Entrust your equipment to OPEQ. It is straightforward, and you have the assurance that it will be handled responsibly, reused if possible, properly recycled if not.
More information: Collecting IT Equipment – Entrust It to OPEQ!
YOUR EQUIPMENT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY OPEQ?
Collection points are available throughout Quebec to ensure the safe recycling of your electronic devices. Visit the ARPE-Québec website to find the nearest location.
More information: Recycling – OPEQ
