Blog - Greentec | ITAD and E-Waste Recycling

Introduction Whether you're preparing to sell your Android smartphone, troubleshooting persistent issues, or wanting to do something good for the world and donate your device to the Phones4Food ...

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How-To

Safely Wiping Your Data from iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Greentec
on November 20, 2023

Introduction Whether you're passing on your iPhone to a new owner, troubleshooting persistent issues, preparing to sell or donate your device to the Phones4food program, securely wiping your data is ...

Basel Convention E-Waste Amendments: “Impacts on the ITAD and Electronics Recycling Industry"

By Tony Perrotta
on November 07, 2023

The Basel Convention, an international treaty that regulates the movement of hazardous waste between countries, has recently adopted amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Convention. The ...

International E-Waste Day: A call to action for sustainable electronic waste management

By Tony Perrotta
on October 14, 2023

October 14 is International E-Waste Day which was first introduced by the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum to raise awareness about the need for e-waste recycling among ...

Shipping Electronic Equipment with Lithium-Ion Batteries: What You Need to Know

By Tony Perrotta
on September 18, 2023

In an age dominated by the use of portable electronic devices, the demand for lithium-ion batteries has soared, but so has the need to responsibly manage their end-of-lifecycle. Technology lifecycle ...

The Importance of Certified Electronic Recycling: Protecting Data and the Environment

By Greentec
on September 15, 2023

How is this different from standard recycling? The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (EPA) outlines two major certifications in regards to electronic recycling: the e-Stewards®Standard for ...

Embracing Canada's Privacy Law Reforms: The Importance of Law 25

By Tony Perrotta
on August 16, 2023

The introduction of Law 25, formerly Bill 64, is a significant milestone for privacy law reforms in Canada. This legislation in Quebec aims to provide individuals with greater control over their ...

Certified Shred Service: Secure Data Destruction and Recycling for IT Assets

By Greentec
on August 14, 2023

How do you properly dispose of data, media and information technology that can’t be reused? At Greentec our number one priority when it comes to your data and IT assets is to recover and return the ...

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The Electronic Device Journey of E-Waste Disposal and Recycling

By Greentec
on December 20, 2022

Reposted from the following article in Cambridge Today with approval: https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/what-happens-to-your-devices-when-you-throw-them-away-6195789

The Importance of R2v3 Certified Companies for Electronics Recycling

By Greentec
on November 15, 2022

What you should be looking for in R2v3 certified electronics recycling companies (to avoid liability risks, health concerns for staff, and environmental problems)

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Which NAID Certification guarantees data destruction?

By Greentec
on September 29, 2022

Let’s rewind the clocks to a simpler time. The year was 1995 and a NAID certification was unheard of. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland, Ohio by renowned architect I. M. Pei. ...

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The Hard Costs of How To Wipe A Hard Drive On A Dead Computer

By Greentec
on August 25, 2022

We go beyond explaining how to wipe a hard drive on a dead computer and outline the underlying costs associated with this process Have you ever wondered what happens to data when a computer dies? ...

How IT professionals prepare for a Data Center Clean-Out

By Greentec
on July 14, 2022

The steps to prepare for a data center clean-out Are you looking to do a system refresh? Do you want to know how IT professionals prepare to dispose of old data center equipment? Do you want to get ...

DIY data erasure software uses standards that are called safe but are risky

By Greentec
on July 13, 2022

DIY data erasure software uses standards that are called safe, but in reality, can have an adverse effect. Here are four data erasure approaches with their pros and cons. Computer hardware isn't ...

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Is in-house degaussing a safe way to erase data?

By Greentec
on July 12, 2022

Degaussing is more complex than waving a magnet around a hard drive Over time, we accumulate hard drives, computers, cell phones, and other data storing devices, most of which carry our personal and ...

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4 Benefits of E Waste Recycling

By Greentec
on July 11, 2022

Why E Waste Recyling is Our Future In a world where almost everyone owns an electronic gadget, the amount of e-waste produced continues to increase. In 2021, the volume of e-waste generated worldwide ...

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Balancing Security & Sustainability

By Tony Perrotta
on May 27, 2022

Addressing School Board ITAD Needs Proper device disposition within your school board can make a significant difference in how efficiently your schools and IT team can protect vital data and increase ...

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Remove Files and Clean the Drive: How to Wipe Windows 10 Laptop PCs

By Tony Perrotta
on May 16, 2022

How to Remove Files and Clean the Drive: From Backup to Wipe Hard Drive Gone are the days where you can sell or dispose of a laptop PC without wiping your device entirely of its data. Your computer ...

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Secure E Waste: How to Ensure Ironclad Data Erasure

By Tony Perrotta
on May 04, 2022

By following this process, secure e waste is obtainable before it hits the bin Looking to securely recycle your electronics without compromising any data? Below we share the step-by-step process of ...

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GREENTEC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH TORONTO ZOO

By Greentec
on April 21, 2022

Reducing the carbon demand to produce new devices and diverting e-waste from the environment, Greentec and the Toronto Zoo partner on Phone Apes

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How to Delete Everything in Your MacBook (OS)

By Tony Perrotta
on March 30, 2022

Here's our guide on how to delete everything in your MacBook from the latest, Cheyenne, to any previous OS Is your company planning an upgrade to its computer devices? If this includes replacing ...

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What Is Urban Mining?

By Greentec
on March 28, 2022

Urban mining is the practice of extracting valuable metals and materials from electronic waste. This seems pretty straightforward. In fact, if you’ve been following our blog at all or have done any ...

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How to Recycle Cell Phones: The E-Waste Recycling Process

By Greentec
on March 08, 2022

The E-Waste Recycling Process for Cell Phones (in a nutshell) E-waste created by improperly disposed cellphones is a major global problem. With around 1.5 billion smartphones sold annually and the ...

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News

GREENTEC RECEIVES APPROVED REGISTRATION UNDER CONTROLLED GOODS PROGRAM

By Tony Perrotta
on February 22, 2022

CAMBRIDGE, ON | FEBRUARY 22, 2022 — Strengthening data security and privacy for organizations across Canada through compliant and transparent data destruction services, Greentec is pleased to ...

Customer Success Stories

Peel District School Board Achieves Grade A Security & Sustainability Efforts with Greentec

By Greentec
on February 18, 2022

The second largest public school board in Ontario, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) is home to 259 schools across the Peel region, teaching over 153,000 students ranging from elementary to ...

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Five Steps for a Successful ITAD Process in 2022

By Greentec
on February 17, 2022

What You Can Do to Ensure Your ITAD Process is Successful in 2022 First of all, what is ITAD? IT asset disposition (ITAD) is the disposal of obsolete or unwanted IT assets in a secure, safe and ...

Four Environmental Hazards of E-Waste Hiding In Your Facility

By Greentec
on February 16, 2022

Every single organization has e-waste. Devices that become e-waste include your computer monitor, laptop, hard drive, or mobile cell phone, and every time you replace them, you have electronic waste ...

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Greentec Becomes First E-Waste Processor To Receive R2v3 Certification In Canada

By Tony Perrotta
on January 14, 2022

CAMBRIDGE, ON | JANUARY 11, 2022 — On a mission to support organizations with intelligent IT asset disposition designed to heighten environmental sustainability and data security, Greentec has ...

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News

Greentec President, Tony Perrotta featured by Shred Nations

By Greentec
on December 08, 2021

Everyone wants to know — what ACTUALLY happens to E-waste when it is recycled? Shred Nations sat down with Greentec's CEO and President, Tony Perrotta, to gain some further insight on how e-waste is ...

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Addressing the Top IT Disposition Concerns of School Boards

By Tony Perrotta
on December 07, 2021

What is ITAD? IT asset disposition is the disposal of obsolete or unwanted IT assets in a secure, safe and ecologically-responsible manner.

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How to Delete Files on Chromebook and Perform a Factory Reset

By Tony Perrotta
on December 02, 2021

These steps outline how to delete files on Chromebook and more Has some “spring cleaning” at work involved an upgrade to the computer systems? If your organization is replacing its Chromebooks with ...

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How To Ensure Data Erasure on an Old iPhone or iPad (iOS)

By Tony Perrotta
on December 02, 2021

The Guide to Secure Data Erasure for your Obsolete iOS Apple Products Has your business recently replaced its iPhones or iPads with the latest models? About to upgrade? Or, have you simply searched ...

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News

Greentec Partners with FOOD LAND to Promote Proper Electronics Recycling

By Tony Perrotta
on October 25, 2021

CAMBRIDGE, ON | OCTOBER 19, 2021 — Working in communities across Canada to reduce the amount of electronic devices that end up in recycling bins each and every year, Greentec has partnered with ...

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You Need to Prioritize IT Disposition Mapping For Your School Board

By Tony Perrotta
on October 22, 2021

When it is time to upgrade your school board’s IT assets, simply unplugging and throwing the device into a recycling bin is not enough to protect your organization, staff and students from potential ...

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Escrap Commodities Trading

By Greentec
on September 24, 2021

The Right Escrap Partner to Help Grow Your Business The electronic scrap business (more commonly referred to as escrap or e-scrap) is full of opportunity and risk, so choosing the right downstream ...

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News

GREENTEC CHOSEN TO SUPPORT AIR CANADA’S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

By Tony Perrotta
on June 08, 2021

CAMBRIDGE, ON | JUNE 1, 2021 — Greentec, a certified electronics recycling company based in Cambridge, Ontario, has been chosen by Air Canada to securely recycle and dispose of 500 flight crew iPads ...

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Greentec: Your Trusted OECM Partner for Secure ITAD and E-Waste Recycling

By Tony Perrotta
on June 08, 2021

For the second time in a row, Greentec has been awarded recognition as a Preferred OECM Vendor. Offering trusted service to Ontario’s publicly funded education and healthcare sectors, Greentec ...

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Tony Perrotta on Know Tech Talk Podcast

By Tony Perrotta
on May 03, 2021

President and CEO Tony Perrotta was on the Know Tech Talk Podcast with Barb Paluszkiewicz, sharing insight on how to safely dispose of old IT equipment.

Customer Success Stories

Air Canada Tech Lifecycle Management & Greentec

By Tony Perrotta
on April 16, 2021

At Air Canada, flight crew require powerful, up to date devices that can manage a variety of information related to the aircraft performance, flight routing and traffic. It is common practice to use ...

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News

As Seen on CTV News- What do you do with an old cellphone? Greentec hopes to reduce Canada’s e-waste

By Tony Perrotta
on April 09, 2021

As more Canadians replace their old electronics with new technology, one Ontario-based company hopes its initiative will combat the country’s electronic waste problem, one smartphone at a time.

News

Greentec- Featured in the Cambridge Times

By Tony Perrotta
on March 31, 2021

We are incredibly honoured to be featured in the Cambridge Times.

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Big Changes Are Coming for Privacy Legislation in Canada

By Tony Perrotta
on February 11, 2021

Privacy policies have been in turmoil for a while in Canada. With the introduction of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), obvious discrepancies have been noted with the ...

News

What do you do with an old iPhone or old cellphone?

By Tony Perrotta
on January 25, 2021

TORONTO -- As more Canadians replace their old electronics with new technology, one Ontario-based company hopes its initiative will combat the country’s electronic waste problem, one smartphone at a ...

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Greentec’s Innovative Partnerships Are Improving Consumer Recycling Efforts in Alberta

By Tony Perrotta
on January 22, 2021

CAMBRIDGE, ON | JANUARY 19, 2021 — Announced today, Canadian-based electronic recycler Greentec has partnered with CWTA’s Recycle My Cell program and ARMA to provide Albertans with additional access ...

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Happy Holidays!

By Greentec
on December 25, 2020

We achieved some incredible milestones (we are R2 and NAID certified) and added some exciting new partners to the team this year. We could not do what we do without our amazing team and clients - ...

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Greentec's partnership with Glentel highlighted in Recycling Product News

By Tony Perrotta
on December 01, 2020

Following Greentec's partnership announcement with Glentel, Recycling Product News outlines the role this partnership will play in directing millions of old cell phones away from landfills each year ...

News

Greentec Partners with Glentel Inc. to Promote Sustainability Amongst Cell Phone Consumers

By Tony Perrotta
on November 25, 2020

CAMBRIDGE, ON | NOVEMBER 25, 2020 — Announced today, Cambridge-based electronic recycler Greentec has confirmed its partnership with Canadian mobile phone retailer, Glentel Inc., to securely collect ...

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Auxly’s Kolab Project Partners with Greentec on Industry-Wide Vape Recycling Program for All Cannabis Retailers

By Tony Perrotta
on August 11, 2020

TORONTO, Ontario, August 11, 2020 – Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX.V – XLY) (“Auxly” or the “Company”), a consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, is pleased to announce that ...

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Customer Success Stories

Renfrew County District School Board and Greentec: A Customer Success Story

By Tony Perrotta
on July 14, 2020

For years the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) hosted, populated and managed an online auction site to facilitate the disposal of surplus technology equipment. The auction, although it ...

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Greentec – Your Trusted OECM Supplier

By Tony Perrotta
on July 05, 2020

Greentec is the preferred OECM Supplier, offering trusted service to Ontario’s publicly funded education sector, broader public sector, provincially funded organizations, crown corporations, and any ...

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Greentec Response to COVID 19

By Greentec
on June 23, 2020

At Greentec, the health and safety of our community is our top priority. We have introduced new processes within our operations to help protect our employees, customers, and visitors through the ...

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How To Remove Data from Microsoft and Google Tablets

By Tony Perrotta
on June 07, 2020

If your organization is upgrading from older models of Microsoft or Google Tablets to newer devices, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re going through step-by-step instructions on how to ...

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How to Remove Data from Microsoft Smartphones

By Tony Perrotta
on April 13, 2020

When it’s time for companies to dispose of old mobile phones and for staff to turn in company-issued cell phones, these devices can start to pile up. Whether old phones are being upgraded and ...

News

Certified Electronics Recycler Donates 100 Laptops to Students

By Tony Perrotta
on April 09, 2020

Greentec will provide 100 families in the Waterloo Region with access to technology as Ontario begins e-learning WATERLOO, ON | April 8th 2020 – Greentec, the region’s local, certified electronic ...

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An Update from Greentec on COVID – 19 as an Essential Business

By Tony Perrotta
on March 26, 2020

Greentec is closely monitoring Government updates regarding the COVID–19 (“Coronavirus”) pandemic so that we stay informed and ensure that our health and safety measures are updated to protect our ...

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Greentec Featured in Recycling Product News

By Tony Perrotta
on March 26, 2020

Greentec was featured in Recycling Product News in the March edition. This article outlines our history as a company as we celebrate 25 years of operation in 2020 and shares CEO Tony Perrotta’s ...

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A Message From Greentec

By Tony Perrotta
on March 13, 2020

Dear Customers, Suppliers & Contractors:

News

Expanding Ontario’s Recycling Market to Keep Mercury Out of the Environment

By Tony Perrotta
on March 06, 2020

Greentec’s facility in Cambridge, ON becomes an approved processor for Take Back the Light

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How to Reset Android Tablet or Phone

By Tony Perrotta
on March 03, 2020

Thinking of selling or upgrading your company’s Android phones or tablets this year? Although it seems like these devices may be at the end of their lifespan or usefulness to the business, remember ...

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The Global Impact of Circular IT and Electronics Recycling

By Tony Perrotta
on December 11, 2019

Now is a time of drastic change when it comes to the world’s climate. Although variations in temperature and weather have been recorded over the years, present-day changes to climate patterns can be ...

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Staging IT Assets for Disposal: Your Guide to Proper Storage

By Tony Perrotta
on November 25, 2019

Data breaches in Canada and the US are growing at an alarming rate. The potential costs are huge, especially when you consider exactly what’s at stake: regulatory investigations, fines and loss of ...

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5 Tips to Help You Prep for the E-Scrap Conference

By Tony Perrotta
on September 19, 2019

With the 2019 E-Scrap Conference just a few weeks away, the Greentec team is looking forward to another year of strengthening connections and making new ones! We’ll be exhibiting during the ...

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Building the Modern Recycling Plant, One Robot at a Time

By Tony Perrotta
on August 27, 2019

At Greentec, we are proud to support the circular economy with our efforts as an electronics recycling company, keeping products and materials in use longer to reduce the amount of waste produced. As ...

News

Greentec listed as an approved recycler for mercury-containing lamps

By Tony Perrotta
on August 09, 2019

Greentec is proud to be listed as an approved recycler for mercury-containing lamps as part of the Government of Canada’s national strategy.

News

Cambridge Electronic Waste Recycling Centre Pairs with Conestoga College for New Robotic Sorting Cell

By Tony Perrotta
on July 04, 2019

The robot dismantles hard drives to effectively recover valuable components Cambridge, ON | July 3, 2019 – Leading e-waste recycling centre Greentec partnered with Conestoga College on Project Lexi – ...

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Greentec Cares About Canada

By Tony Perrotta
on June 28, 2019

Greentec is proud to be Canadian! For over 25 years, we have been recycling products like computers, cell phones and other electronics at end-of-life. By recycling these products the Greentec way, ...

News

Greentec CEO Voted as New Board Member on i-SIGMA

By Tony Perrotta
on June 25, 2019

Tony Perrotta will join the home of NAID and PRISM International Cambridge, ON | June 24, 2019 – Tony Perrotta, Founder and CEO of Greentec, has been voted as a new member of i-SIGMA’s (International ...

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Important Data Privacy Legislation: Is Your Business Protected?

By Tony Perrotta
on June 11, 2019

Although it’s important to ensure your organization is PIPEDA-compliant, it isn’t the only piece of legislation that could apply to you. GDPR, MFIPPA and PHIPA all have different privacy rules that ...

News

Greentec robot dismantling drives for magnet recovery

By Tony Perrotta
on June 01, 2019

Posted on May 31, 2019by Colin Staub – E-Scrap News

News

Processor sees steady drop in pounds

By Tony Perrotta
on May 09, 2019

Posted on May 9, 2019by Colin Staub – E-Scrap News

News

This is what happens to the e-waste you drop off for recycling

By Tony Perrotta
on April 23, 2019

A look at where your electronics and batteries go — and where they might end up Christine Rankin · CBC News · Posted: Apr 20, 2019 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: April 23

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News

Ontario, Canada, E-waste Recycler’s Collection Campaign, Tech Investments Boost Volume

By Tony Perrotta
on April 02, 2019

The initiative provides e-waste pickup services for businesses, plus a handful of e-waste drop-off sites for individuals around Southwestern Ontario.

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News

Watch Greentec on CTV News “In Your Backyard”

By Tony Perrotta
on March 20, 2019

CTV News Kitchener visited the Greentec facility recently to film a segment for the “In Your Backyard” program. We are proud to be profiled as a company making the area so special.

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How can my organization comply with PIPEDA 4.5.2?

By Tony Perrotta
on March 08, 2019

Are you storing old, data-filled electronics at your business? They could be a ticking time bomb according to PIPEDA 4.5.2. It’s your business’ responsibility to limit use, disclosure and retention ...

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What data destruction service is right for you?

By Tony Perrotta
on February 27, 2019

Nearly all of today’s businesses depend on data. Finances, contacts and internal procedures all come in the form of data. This means data destruction is absolutely imperative for safely dealing with ...

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How to Recycle Your IT Equipment and E-Waste

By Tony Perrotta
on February 12, 2019

We’ve heard it before. Out with the old, in with the new. Or what about the expression, there’s nothing more certain than death and taxes? These days, you can also add used and obsolete electronics ...

News

Cambridge Electronic Waste Recycling Centre Launching “It’s Easy Being Green” Campaign to Encourage Responsible E-Recycling

By Tony Perrotta
on January 31, 2019

Greentec offers safe and reliable e-waste drop off points and pickup services for businesses. Cambridge, ON | January 30, 2019 – Local e-waste company Greentec is launching “It’s Easy Being Green,” ...

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Implementing PIPEDA With IT Asset Disposal

By Tony Perrotta
on January 10, 2019

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is a federal law that governs how private sector businesses handle personal information.

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How to Securely Recycle Computers and IT Equipment

By Tony Perrotta
on December 18, 2018

Approximately 90% of the data in the world today was created in the last two years! With such a staggering amount of data in our world it’s important now more than ever to make sure that your ...

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Steps Your Organization Can Take to Securely Dispose Electronic Devices

By Tony Perrotta
on November 30, 2018

When it comes time for your organization to upgrade its IT equipment, you need to dispose of any equipment that will no longer be in use. The most sustainable decision is to safely recycle your ...

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Top 3 Reasons Why E-Waste and Electronic Recycling Will Change

By Tony Perrotta
on November 12, 2018

The e-waste recycling industry is an ever-evolving one, resulting in constant change and growth. Change can be beneficial, but particular market changes can also alter the cost of doing business — ...

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The Right to Repair Movement and Electronics

By Tony Perrotta
on October 31, 2018

The Right to Repair movement, led by American group repair.org , aims to protect consumers by allowing access to manuals, information, and tools necessary to repair their purchased items to extend ...

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Recycling LCD and Lamps Safely with Greentec

By Tony Perrotta
on October 31, 2018

Technology is constantly progressing, bringing newer and more advanced electronic devices into our reach. While the quest for something better is nothing to be ashamed of, this ever-evolving industry ...

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News

Electronics Recycling Company Uses Exclusive Tech for E-Waste Handling

By Tony Perrotta
on October 31, 2018

Greentec an Industry Leader in Safe and Responsible E-Waste Recycling Cambridge, ON | October 29, 2018 – Greentec, a Canadian e-waste recycling solutions company, has exclusive technology to safely ...

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News

Greentec Fulfils Item on Not-for-Profit School’s Wish List

By Tony Perrotta
on August 24, 2018

14 refurbished Apple MacBooks were donated by Greentec to the new Oak Bridge Academy, an alternative elementary school for children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and ...

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News

Three Easy Ways to Make Your Business More Sustainable

By Greentec
on March 30, 2018

As we build towards Earth Day (Sunday, April 22) we’re going to devote much of our content to sharing the ways in which shifting focus to sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices can help your ...