Environmental Handling Fees
Recycling programs are sustained through the collection of an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) enforced by provinces in Canada. They are paid at the time you purchase a new computer, laptop, monitor, television and other applicable electronics (outlined by Province below) – so you won’t need to worry about paying a Fee to recycle your end-of-life electronics.
ONTARIO
Electronics
Devices
Batteries
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 4 = $0.16
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 48 = $1.92
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Ontario for producers who have engaged EPRA (Electronic Products Recycling Association) as their recycler. If a product is purchased in Ontario, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.'s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST applies to the amount of the levy. PST does not apply to the amount of the levy.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
- Electronic Recycling & Disposal - In Ontario please visit: Find Your Electronics Recycling Drop Off Location for a list of depots where you can drop off your electronics for recycling or disposal
ALBERTA
Electronics
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Alberta. If a product is purchased in Alberta, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST applies to the amount of the levy.
Saskatchewan
Electronics
Batteries
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 4 = $0.16
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 48 = $1.92
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Saskatchewan. If a product is purchased in Saskatchewan, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST applies to the amount of the levy. PST does not apply to the amount of the levy.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
British Columbia
Electronics
Small Appliances
Major Appliances
Lights
E-Toys
Batteries
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 4 = $0.16
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 48 = $1.92
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into British Columbia. If a product is purchased in British Columbia, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST and PST applies to the amount of the levy.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
Nova Scotia
Electronics
Batteries
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Nova Scotia. If a product is purchased in Nova Scotia, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - HST applies to the amount of the EHF.
Prince Edward Island
Electronics
Small Appliances
Batteries
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 4 = $0.16
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 48 = $1.92
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island. If a product is purchased in Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - HST applies to the amount of the EHF.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
Manitoba
Electronics
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 4 = $0.16
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.04 x 48 = $1.92
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Manitoba. If a product is purchased in Manitoba, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST and PST applies to the amount of the levy.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
Québec
Electronics
Batteries
A 4-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.03 x 4 = $0.12
A 48-pack AA Primary Batteries EHF is $0.03 x 48 = $1.44
- Sales - The levy will be included in the selling price on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Québec. If a product is purchased in Québec, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST and PST applies to the amount of the levy.
- Batteries Recycling & Disposal - Please visit: https://www.call2recycle.ca/locator/ for a list of drop of locations for recycling and disposal.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Electronics
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Newfoundland & Labrador. If a product is purchased in Newfoundland & Labrador, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - HST applies to the amount of the levy.
Northwest Territories
Electronics
- Sales - The levy will be charged on all of the above products sold, shipped and delivered into Northwest Territories. If a product is purchased in Northwest Territories, but shipped to another province that has no levy or EHF, no levy or EHF is applicable. Please note that applicable GST/HST, PST, QST will be charged according to the province to which the product is shipped.
- Returns - The EHF on electronics is refundable on returns based on The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc.’s return policy.
- Exchanges - If a Television, for example, is exchanged for another size of Television, the final EHF will be based on the size of the second Television.
- Tax Applicability - GST applies to the amount of the levy.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Electronics
YUKON
Electronics
Small Appliances
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Environmental Handling Fee (EHF)?
The Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) is an environmental fee or levy that is to be added to the purchase of all televisions, computers, computer equipment and other applicable electronic devices in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Manitoba, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories. The fee will be used to cover the cost of collection, transportation, storage, processing and disposal of electronic waste.
Q: Does the Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) apply to online purchases?
The Environmental Handling Fee also applies to all online purchases that are shipped to Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Manitoba, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.
Q: What if my shipping address is different to my billing address?
For example, if a parent in Ontario goes to an online store and orders a laptop for their child who is attending University in Alberta and they have the order shipped to Alberta then the purchase will be subject for the Environmental Handling Fee for Alberta, not Ontario.
Q: Why am I paying this environmental levy/environmental handling fee (EHF)?
This environmental levy/EHF supports various electronic diversion programs in participating provinces in Canada. This levy/EHF applies to all new purchases of designated electronic items. The fees support the various programs to recover and reclaim old electronic items that are currently entering the waste stream. These programs essentially help pay for the safe disposal of old electronic products.
Q: Is this a tax?
No, it is an Environmental Levy or Environmental Handling Fee. The fees collected go directly into the various programs that handle electronic waste and processing.
Q: Who gets the money?
The Source and all other Retailers are required to remit fees related to designated products to the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) for Alberta and Northwest Territories, Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) for Ontario, and the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) for British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador directly.
Q: Do discounts on product sales apply to the Environmental Levy/EHF?
No, the fee is the same regardless of the purchase. It is based on the fee categories, which depends on the size or type of the product.
Q: What happens if I return the product?
If a product is returned in accordance with The Source return policies, the levy/EHF will be refunded.
Q: What happens if I exchange the product?
If the exchange is for a similar size TV then the levy/EHF will not be affected, a straight exchange will take place. If the exchange involves a different size TV, then the difference between the two levies/EHF must be paid or will be refunded.
Q: What if I buy the product outside the province and have it delivered to the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI, Manitoba, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick or Northwest Territories?
The levy/EHF is applied to all designated equipment that is delivered to the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI, Manitoba, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick or Northwest Territories regardless of where the item was purchased.
Q: What if I buy the product for delivery to another province that has no levy/EHF?
If the product is purchased but the pick up or final purchase is in another province that has no levy/EHF, you will not be required to pay the levy/EHF.
Q: If I have Native Indian status, do I have to pay the levy/EHF?
Yes, applicable GST/HST will be charged on the amount of the levy/EHF.
Q: Is there PST on the levy/EHF?
Yes, applicable PST will be charged on the amount of the levy/EHF.
Q: Where can I send my comments about this fee or if I have questions about the recovery program itself?
If customers have questions or concerns they would like to express regarding the fee and the program it supports, they can contact: