Retailer

The majority of Ontarians believe improper disposal of electronic waste is a concern. As a retailer, you may be the first point of contact for customers looking for the nearest location to drop off their used electronic products or asking other questions about EHF or the OES program.

You play a critical role in helping Ontarians view their end-of-life electronics for what they are: something that should never go to landfill and a resource that can be recycled, reused or refurbished. That’s why we offer resources to help retail partners serve their customers in a way that’s efficient and cost effective.

• OES can partner with retailers to host special collection events.
• Retailers may become OES-approved collectors and benefit from receiving promotion and logistical support for their efforts, as well as a collection incentive for the materials they collect OR
• Retailers may participate as affiliates, collecting some or all OES materials through their relationship with an OES-approved processor. 

About Environmental Handling Fees

OES encourages any retailer that does apply an EHF on new electronics at the point of purchase to educate your staff about the program, to be clear about accepted electronics and never charge more than the steward fees for each accepted material. Click for information on EHF.

Stewards report on and remit different fees for most of the materials for which they are obligated. This may affect some companies which sell computer equipment and televisions and who are also stewards, remitters or sub-remitters. 

Retailers who are also “Stewards”

As a retailer, you may also qualify as a steward. Visit the Stewards, Remitters & Sub-Remitters section of this website to see if you have an obligation under Ontario’s Waste Diversion Act.  Or, use our Steward Obligation Decision Tool to determine if you qualify.

Talking with Customers

Our 2012 Pollara consumer research indicates a 13% increase from 2011 in those who recall paying Environmental Handling Fees (EHF). While there is greater knowledge of EHF on electronic products, there is increasing desire to know:  how the fee is used, and how the fee is calculated. Interestingly, awareness of the fee is built through the purchase experience, or in the retail environment; with consumers referencing price tags, shelf talkers and store staff as a means to communicating awareness of EHF, no matter if companies internalize the cost, or charge at the point of purchase.

You may order brochures to use or reference when talking to your customers. Information including brochures for retail and online sales staff, and for consumers, is available at the orange "Environmental Handling Fees" icon. If you have any questions please contact our office toll-free at 1-888-646-1820, ext. 2 or email marketing@ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca.

Retailers who collect recyclables

Some retailers are part of the OES network as approved collectors or affiliates. A “collector” is an organization that is approved to collect accepted materials on behalf of OES.  

An OES Affiliate is an organization who contracts directly with and is registered by an OES-Approved Processor.

Should a retailer wish to host a community event, or set-up an in-store drop-off counter, read the information in the Collector or Affiliate sections of this website.