To ensure the safe and secure processing of all products recovered by its program, EPRA-Québec only works with organizations verified by the Recycler Qualification Office (RQO). As such, the entire process, from reception of materials to their final processing (i.e., from the primary recycler through to all downstream processors), is compliant with current electronic recycling standards in Canada, specifically the ERS 2025 and the international R2 Standard.
All primary recyclers are located in Québec. However, to ensure proper processing of all materials and/or components from electronic products, these companies also work with downstream processors who are also verified by the RQO.
Furthermore, and in accordance with current standards, it is prohibited for all recyclers participating in the EPRA-Québec program to export electronic products or substances of concern to non-OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations.
Materials reclamation consists of recovering and processing the materials contained within electronic products into reusable materials. While it’s true that the sound management of residual materials starts with reduction at source and reuse, it is also true that recovering non-renewable resources contained in end-of-life electronics contributes to the circular economy.
Throughout this process, different technologies are used to sort and separate raw materials like glass, plastic and metals such as gold, silver, copper and aluminum, which can be reused over and over without losing their properties. Materials reclamation therefore allows for the recovery of precious non-renewable resources instead of having to extract them from the ground.
Once these materials are reinserted into the manufacturing supply chain, they will be reused to make all kinds of new products. The possibilities are bound only by our imagination, since we can find these materials in a multitude of other items. For example, crushed glass can be used in cement or ceramic. Whereas gold, an excellent electrical conductor resistant to corrosion, can end up in electronic circuits of certain security devices, like vehicle airbags.