The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is proud to support Waterloo Wayside Café in Waterloo, Ontario, with a recent technology donation made in collaboration with Mayor Dorothy McCabe — demonstrating how responsible electronic recycling can directly strengthen local community services.
Through this initiative, ERA donated two laptops, one desktop computer, two tablets, and one cell phone, providing the organization with essential tools to enhance service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in the Waterloo community.
Strengthening Community Services Through Technology
Waterloo Wayside Café plays a critical role in supporting vulnerable community members by offering daily meals, social services, and a safe, welcoming environment. Reliable technology allows the organization to manage client records, coordinate volunteers, connect individuals to housing and employment resources, and improve overall service delivery.
This donation ensures that the Café’s staff and volunteers can operate more efficiently, securely, and collaboratively — creating meaningful, long-term benefits for the people they serve.
From Electronic Waste to Community Impact
At the heart of ERA’s mission is a reuse-first approach to electronic recycling. Through ERA’s national program, donated devices are:
- Professionally refurbished
- Fully data-wiped using certified data destruction processes
- Securely redeployed for community reuse
- Responsibly recycled at end of life
This approach not only extends the lifespan of valuable technology but also prevents harmful e-waste from entering landfills while protecting sensitive data.
For Canadian businesses, institutions, and municipalities, partnering with ERA provides a secure, environmentally responsible IT asset disposition solution — while directly supporting local charities, non-profits, and community programs.
Building Stronger Communities Together
With operations across Canada, ERA works closely with corporations, governments, and community leaders to transform surplus technology into powerful tools for social good. Collaborations like this one with Mayor Dorothy McCabe and Waterloo Wayside Café demonstrate how sustainable IT practices can create measurable environmental, social, and economic impact.
ERA is honoured to support organizations that strengthen their communities every day, and invites organizations nationwide to join in turning unused electronics into opportunity — protecting the planet, supporting local services, and building stronger communities together.