We all have them: Old phones, laptops, hard drives, and other small electronics, stuffed in drawers and bins or scattered throughout our homes and offices – just gathering dust.

Now, a new initiative developed by University Technology Services (UTS) and McMaster University Library, in partnership with GreenByte – a local not-for-profit organization – is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to recycle their electronic waste, or e-waste, securely and sustainably, while helping make a difference in the Hamilton community.

Here’s how it works.

Students, faculty and staff can dispose of small electronics by placing the items in a new, secure “tech bin,” located in the lobby of Mills Library.

UTS staff will collect the e-waste and securely erase the data on all devices. Any items that can be re-used will be provided to GreenByte – a community-based organization that refurbishes end-of-life computers and distributes them to local, low-income families at no cost.

All remaining items will be collected by IT equipment disposal company, Greentec, and recycled in a secure and environmentally responsible manner.

“This is a small but important initiative,” says Richard Godsmark, director, technology, UTS. “Many of us have small electronics that we don’t know what to do with – this is an opportunity to dispose of these devices in both a sustainable way, and in a way that can make a meaningful contribution to our community.”

The initiative was developed as part of the 2019-2020 McMaster IT Strategy and is one of many initiatives intended to create a connected, seamless and transformative technology experience across campus.

The following are among the small electronics that can be recycled using the tech bin:

• Phones
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Hard drives
• USBs
• Cables
• Routers
• Keyboards
• Mice