Telephones and Answering Machines

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle | Facilities

How do I go green?

Reduce

Do you really need the latest and greatest phone or answering machine?  Perhaps you don't need one in every room?  It might be better to stay with your current phone if it meets your needs.  If you do indeed need to get a new one, consider paying a little extra to help ensure it's built to last.

Reuse

Consider donating your unwanted phones and answering machines to second hand stores or thirift stores, but only if they are truly in good working condition.  Be sure to erase your messages before you bring them in.

Recycle

Telephones (non-cellular) and answering machines are now part of the Product Stewardship program for electronic waste.  They can be taken to a number of drop-off locations throughout the CRD for free for recycling - you've already paid for this service with an environmental handling fee (EHF) when you bought it.  Items included are corded, cordless, VoIP and sattelite phones; all system components including periphals, cords and wiring; cassette and digital answering machines and answering systems integrated into non-cellular telephones.
Not all of the facilities listed below are part of the Product Stewardship program.  If they are not they may charge a recycling fee.