SSC’s Mobile Devices Recycling Program aims to reduce e-waste while supporting communities
As digital workplaces evolve, Shared Services Canada (SSC) helps to ensure Government of Canada (GC) employees have access to reliable, modern and secure technology. We are careful to purchase equipment with sustainability in mind, but the job doesn't stop there. Did you know that SSC can use your old work mobile device for a good cause?
SSC has developed the Mobile Devices Recycling Program to keep electronic waste out of landfills and support the community. Through this program, SSC works with specialized electronics recyclers to identify the best way to refurbish, reuse, recycle or donate devices. If a device only needs a simple fix, SSC can extend its life within the GC. As safeguarding information and avoiding security threats is critical, devices that can no longer have the required GC security updates are taken out of GC inventories. SSC also donates devices that have value to the community to the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program.
Through the CFS+ program, SSC helps to bridge the digital divide by donating to Canada's schools, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians. Providing students with access to technology will help them develop the skills they need to thrive in today's digital economy.
SSC has a contract in place for mobile device refurbishment, repair and disposal. Our service provider:
- securely wipes reusable devices to ensure the security integrity of GC systems
- repairs and restore them for re-use—giving most a second life, either within or outside the GC
When a second life is not possible, they:
- keep functional parts for repairs of future devices
- safely destroy and recycle remaining parts
From April 2022 to April 2024, SSC donated 9,402 devices to Computers for Schools Plus, refurbished 4,375 devices for reuse within the GC and recycled approximately 183,978 end-of-life mobile devices.
This initiative contributes to Greening Government. It is part of SSC's broader efforts to ensure a sustainable life cycle for the technology we use—from purchase onward. For several years, and again this year, the Global Electronics Council (GEC) has recognized SSC as a leader in sustainable electronics procurement. SSC's purchase of mobile devices that meet the global EPEAT standards for greener electronics is one of the GEC award categories.
Conserving resources and reducing e-waste not only saves costs, but also reduces environmental impact and supports those in need.