Transforming waste into opportunity
In today’s fast-paced world, new technology is constantly entering the market. It’s easy to focus on wanting the latest IT product—a brand-new phone, a faster laptop or even an ergonomic computer mouse—while forgetting about what happens to the old one.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) sees waste as more than just discarded material. It’s also a chance to create something new while protecting the environment and growing the economy.
Protecting data while protecting the planet
At SSC, we put careful thought into managing the Government of Canada’s electronic equipment. “Our top priority is to keep sensitive government information safe, but we also focus on protecting the environment. Through secure sanitization, dismantling and recycling processes, SSC turns used equipment into opportunities for reuse and innovation,” says Sari Abdallah, Director of Materiel Management Policy, Governance and Strategic Planning.
From waste to valuable resources
Here’s how SSC helps transform waste:
- Extending the life of devices: Items that can be securely sanitized are reused, donated or sold to benefit others.
- Securely recycling materials: Equipment that cannot be sanitized is dismantled, shredded and sent for responsible recycling. Components like metals, plastics and even precious materials are recovered and put back into use.
Leading by example: SSC’s achievements in numbers
Recycling in action: SSC’s achievements - Text version
From April 2022 to February 2026, SSC has reused or recycled 261,979 mobile devices, meaning:
- 510,808 kg of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere
- 511 carbon credits (tonnes of carbon kept from the atmosphere)
Which is equivalent to:
- 901,208 litres of gasoline consumed
- 7,700,873 recycled plastic bottles
- 204,868 mature trees saved
- 35,423,988 recycled aluminum cans
As of March 31, 2026
- Over 277,000 mobile devices securely reused or recycled between 2022 and 2026.
- 138,000 pieces of IT equipment responsibly disposed of since 2024.
- 86,912 pounds of e-waste recycled, supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
A commitment to a greener future
SSC takes every opportunity to turn old IT equipment into something useful, whether through secure reuse, donation or recycling.
Our collaboration with certified recycling vendors ensures that sensitive materials are securely shredded and valuable resources, like precious metals, are recovered.
By managing electronic equipment responsibly, SSC supports both environmental goals and Canada’s innovative economy.
From protecting government information to reducing environmental harm, SSC helps lead by example, demonstrating how sustainability can create opportunities for cleaner cities, stronger communities and a greener planet. It’s what we do.
For more information, visit Materiel Management.