Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP has been selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers 2026. This award recognizes their formal partnership with reBOOT Canada to refurbish and donate computers to people with limited access to technology. Quantum encourages its clients to either donate directly or in-kind through the donation of refurbished computers and also co-hosts e-waste collection events to help raise funds for the initiative.

Now in its 19th year, Canada’s Greenest Employers is an annual editorial competition organized by the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. This special designation recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations. These employers have developed exceptional sustainability initiatives – and are attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership.

At Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP, being green isn’t just embedded in the company culture, says Stephanie McLarty, head of sustainability. Being green is the business model for the electronics lifecycle management company whose mission is to minimize the amount of e-waste entering landfills.

To that end, Quantum enables organizations of all sizes to safely dispose of their end-of-life IT and electronic assets. Using advanced reuse and recycling systems, the Toronto-headquartered company prioritizes refurbishing equipment (including computers and cellphones) and breaks down the remaining items to recover recyclable components such as precious metals.

“People come to work at Quantum for all the regular reasons — a stable job, good pay, good benefits,” McLarty says. “Employees also know that what we do is really important for the planet and they’re proud to be part of making a difference. From my perspective, it’s great to work alongside people who really care.”

She includes the senior leadership for whom doing the right thing has also proven to be a savvy business strategy. Formed in 2019 and backed by shareholders with expertise in the metal recycling industry, Quantum quickly became one of Canada’s largest recyclers of e-waste, the world’s fastest growing waste stream. By early 2026, Quantum had established operations in 15 locations, including Costa Rica and the United States.

McLarty, whose role includes influencing positive change, is a regular speaker at conferences. She also hosts Quantum’s podcast, The Circular Future, where she discusses a variety of topics such as the right to repair movement or the benefits and harms of 3D printing.

Internally, McLarty leads Quantum’s green team, which includes employees from different departments who work on environmental projects throughout the company. The team’s goals and many of its activities are serious, but there is also a focus on friendly competitions and other fun activities.

To celebrate Circular Economy Month, for example, the green team challenged employees to post in an online forum about how they reuse or recycle something at home or at work and awarded prizes to the three locations with the most entries per capita. In all, 160 helpful posts were shared, McLarty says.

Although he’s now another proud Quantum employee, Tanay Seludkar says he never planned on a career in the e-waste business. Still, he was open to the idea when a recruiter approached him. At the time, he was a graduate student studying international business management in Ottawa, so he started at Quantum in a part-time role in 2022.

Three promotions later, Seludkar is a business development manager in Toronto and says he is grateful for all the help and support he’s had along the way. “The rule here is ‘There are no stupid questions,’” he says.

Now it’s Seludkar’s turn to answer customers’ questions. “The first thing they ask is ‘Will my sensitive data be safe?’” he says. “Then they ask if our processes are safe. They don’t want their old equipment to become someone else’s problem.”

The answer to both, he says, is yes. Quantum has multiple international certifications for meeting the highest industry standards as it tracks the chain of custody from pickup through destruction. The well-documented process also includes such measures as unannounced audits and employee background checks.

Seludkar is also a member of the green team where his activities include working with other employees to determine where they can make improvements. In one project, for example, they worked on greener packaging for the laptops that Quantum refurbishes.

For McLarty, employees’ commitment to making even small improvements is a big deal. “I feel like employee engagement around sustainability is our superpower,” she says.

 

2025 is coming to a close and we are particularly grateful to our donors, staff, directors, and partners for their engagement, support, and enthusiasm for our work. This past year, we honoured the life of a beloved member of our team, we celebrated a milestone anniversary, and we grew our reach and impact across the country.

Honouring a Colleague and Friend

In May of this year, reBOOT Canada lost a valued colleague and friend, Krijn de Rijke. Krijn was a steady and generous presence within our organization. He brought deep technical knowledge, patience, and a quiet commitment to doing things properly — qualities that shaped both our work and our culture. His contributions extended far beyond his formal role, and his impact was felt by colleagues across the organization. Krijn is missed, and we remain grateful for the time we had working alongside him.

30 Years of Impact

reBOOT Canada first began refurbishing and redeploying technology with a social purpose three decades ago. What began in 1995 has evolved into a national effort to advance digital equity and responsible reuse of retired IT assets. In 2015 we established the reSTART program to provide reliable, warrantied laptops and desktops to families living on low income and we recently delivered our 5,323rd laptop. The recipient, our client, was a young woman in Ontario, receiving income support through Ontario Works, who needed the device to pursue contract work.

 

Attendees of reBOOT Canada’s 30th anniversary celebration in November 2025.

Since January of this year, we’ve helped almost 1,200 individuals and families access a personal computer, which becomes their tool to further education, access better employment opportunities, and reinforce social bonds.

Under the hood, and to the credit of our dedicated and ingenious staff, we’ve invested in tools and processes designed to continuously improve how we serve clients, agency staff, and sponsors. We want working with reBOOT Canada to be transparent, efficient, and as pleasant as possible – some recent Google reviews suggest we’re on the right track.

Our work today, across Toronto, Vancouver, and Peterborough, builds on that original purpose: to ensure that technology serves people’s real needs and contributes to resilient individuals, families, and stronger communities.

Donating Used Computers and Peripherals

Thanks to the support of our donors, many industry leaders in environmental stewardship, and our industry partners, we received over 400 distinct donations comprising over 5,000 unique items, a 10% increase over the average of the previous 5 years. In this year alone, reBOOT Canada has diverted over 25 metric tonnes of electronics, prioritizing refurbishment and extended useful life and recycling safely, locally at a national level and reintroducing raw materials into the supply chain. We’re proud of our contribution to the work of reducing waste and we’re proud of our partnerships with leaders in industry to that end.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the demand for affordable, reliable technology continues to grow, as does the need for responsible electronics reuse. reBOOT Canada remains committed to meeting these challenges thoughtfully — strengthening partnerships, improving systems, and ensuring that access to technology is delivered with dignity, care, and purpose.

Thank you to everyone who supported reBOOT Canada throughout 2025. Your trust and commitment make this work possible, and we are grateful to carry it forward together in 2026 and another 30 years.

reBOOT Canada will be open reduced hours over the holidays. Regular business hours resume Monday, January 5.

 

	Toronto	Peterborough	Vancouver
Thursday Dec. 18	10am – 4pm	11am – 5pm	10am – 5pm
Friday Dec. 19	CLOSED	11am – 5pm	10am – 5pm
Saturday Dec. 20	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Sunday Dec. 21	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Monday Dec. 22	10am – 4pm	11am – 5pm	10am – 5pm
Tuesday Dec. 23	CLOSED	11am – 5pm	10am – 5pm
Wednesday Dec. 24	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Thursday Dec. 25	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Friday Dec. 26	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Saturday Dec. 27	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Sunday Dec. 28	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Monday Dec. 29	10am – 4pm	11am – 5pm	11am – 5pm
Tuesday Dec. 30	10am – 4pm	11am – 5pm	11am – 5pm
Wednesday Dec. 31	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Thursday Jan. 1	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Friday Jan. 2	CLOSED	11am – 5pm	10am – 5pm
Saturday Jan. 3	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Sunday Jan. 4	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Monday Jan. 5	10am – 4pm	CLOSED	10am – 5pm

When we started reBOOT Canada back in 1995, the world was just beginning to discover what the internet could do. Most homes didn’t yet have a computer, and the idea of a “digital divide” wasn’t part of everyday conversation. But even then, we could see what was coming — a future where access to technology would shape opportunity itself.

What we also saw, sitting in office basements and corporate storage rooms, were towers of “retired” computers — machines still in working condition, but destined for landfill simply because they’d been replaced by newer models. It didn’t sit right with us. Why should perfectly good technology be thrown away when so many people could use it to connect, learn, and grow?

So we began collecting those computers, cleaning them up, repairing what we could, and passing them on to people who needed them. That’s how reBOOT Canada was born: out of a simple belief that digital access was going to be vital for individuals and communities and shouldn’t be a privilege. Also, that giving old technology new life could change human lives, too.

Building Bridges Through Technology

Over the decades, that small idea grew into a national mission. Today, we refurbish and redeploy thousands of computers every year out of our offices in Vancouver, Toronto, and Peterborough — over 13,000 donated devices came through our doors from businesses, institutions, and individuals across Canada last year.

Each one of those devices has a story. Some are passed along to newcomers setting up their first home in Canada, eager to learn English and apply for jobs online. Others go to seniors reconnecting with family through video calls. Some find their way into classrooms or community centers in remote and Indigenous communities, where a single working laptop can open a world of information.

We see it every day: a computer is never just a computer. It’s an opportunity — a chance to study, to work, to connect, to belong.

Our Mission in Action

Our mission is simple but powerful: to enable all Canadians to become fully functioning members of society through affordable access to technology.

We do this through a few key programs that tackle digital exclusion from different angles:

• reSTART helps people on limited incomes — those receiving social assistance or living with financial barriers — access high-quality refurbished computers at low cost.
• reSOURCE supports other charities and non-profits, helping them get the technology they need to keep serving their communities efficiently.
• reLAY goes a step further, bringing free WiFi infrastructure to underserved and remote areas — places where internet access can still be hard to find.

Each of these programs represents a piece of our bigger vision: a Canada where everyone, no matter their income or postal code, has the tools to thrive in a digital world.

The Heart of What We Do

Our favourite moments are seeing someone pick up their very first computer. There’s a mix of excitement and relief — because suddenly, things that felt impossible start to feel within reach. A parent can help their child with homework. A job seeker can finally apply online. A senior can reconnect with family across the country.

One of our most impactful collaborations has been with the Gathering Place Community Centre in downtown Vancouver. The Gathering Place Community Centre serves a diverse community, including individuals experiencing homelessness, seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges. With over 4,000 members annually, the centre provides a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can access essential services and support.

Recognizing the increasing importance of digital access, the Gathering Place identified a gap in providing reliable computer resources for its clients. Many individuals were unable to access essential services, apply for jobs, or connect with loved ones due to the lack of available technology.

In response to this need, reBOOT Canada partnered with the Gathering Place to provide refurbished laptops and digital literacy training. This initiative enabled community members to:

• Access online resources for job applications and skill development
• Connect with family and friends through digital platforms
• Enhance their digital literacy, empowering them to navigate the online world with confidence

The collaboration between reBOOT Canada and the Gathering Place Community Centre has had a profound impact on the community. Individuals who once faced barriers to digital access are now equipped with the tools and skills to participate fully in society.

Doing Good for People and the Planet

Our work has always been about inclusion, but it’s also about sustainability. Every computer we refurbish means one less piece of e-waste in a landfill. Canada generates hundreds of thousands of tonnes of electronic waste every year — much of it still usable. By giving technology a second life, we’re helping build a circular economy where resources are reused responsibly, and waste is minimized.

For every donor, we handle everything from secure data sanitization to proper recycling of unusable parts. Nothing goes to waste — and everything possible gets another chance to make a difference.

The COVID-19 pandemic made something painfully clear: without access to technology, it’s almost impossible to participate in modern life. As work, school, and even healthcare moved online, the digital divide widened. The demand for affordable devices skyrocketed — and we did everything we could to meet it.

Our reduced worked extra hours and even hand-delivered some units when they weren’t refurbishing computers as quickly as possible. The messages that came in during that time reminded us why this work matters: parents trying to keep their kids learning, seniors feeling isolated, newcomers needing to connect to settlement services. Access to technology wasn’t just about convenience — it was about connection and survival.

Our impact depends on community, a community of donors, devoted staff and volunteers and partner organizations. People just like you. When you contribute to reBOOT Canada, you’re supporting digital equity, you can be part of this story.

Whatever your role, spread the word. Share our story. Every conversation helps more Canadians learn that digital access creates transformative opportunities.

Thirty years later, our mission is more relevant than ever. Technology continues to evolve, but our purpose remains the same: to connect people — not just to the internet, but to opportunity, community, and hope. When you give technology a second life, you’re really giving someone else a chance.

The Evolution of Purpose in Response to Need

1995

Problem

No protocol/process/logistic infrastructure exists for retired computer equipment.

Solution

Create a channel for recovery of equipment, refurbish and redeploy it to other charities for their operations.

2005

Problem

Seniors in long term care are isolated and left behind by lack of computer access.

Solution

Leveraging past work as platform, executing on the reCONNECT program across the country.

2015

Problem

Indigenous communities and individuals lack capacity and are too underserved by providers to sustain digital access.

Solution

Proactively outreach to engage Indigenous communities to lead the deployment of infrastructure, end user devices, skills development, and ongoing support.

2020

Problem

COVID-19 pandemic response triggers stay-at-home orders and aggressively forces work, study, and program access online.

Solution

Leverage computer sales and service, social enterprise, and skills development capacity to work directly with municipal-level governments to meet demand for personal computers for agency beneficiaries.

2025

Problem

Implementation of AI and LLMs pushes more program access to digital platform and widens gap between tech haves and have-nots.

Solution

Expand operations regionally to serve communities directly across the country.

2035 AND BEYOND

Problem

Low-income families face the most disruption from AI impacts on employment and climate vulnerability (ex: extreme weather events, flooding in coastal and ravine areas, and heatwaves will disproportionately impact lower-income families who have less mobility, insurance, and resources for adaptation).

Solution

Build out training and skills development to anticipate needs of an AI-equipped economy. Form durable partnerships with organizations that support climate change impact adaptation and mitigation.

This Tuesday September 30 reBOOT Canada offices will be closed in order to recognize and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and their Calls to Action. We have been fortunate and are grateful for the opportunity to work with Aboriginal youth in communities across the country and we believe our future, as an organization and nation, relies on our ability to invest in connections, outreach and collaboration.

However one is impacted by the loss and pain caused by the residential school system – which was designed and funded by the democratically elected Canadian government from 1870 to as late as 1996 – our hope is that this day will be an opportunity to reflect on this period in this country’s history, learn about the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the purpose of the TRC Calls to Action. Here are some resources for the TRC and an overview of the IRS system which may be helpful.

We also hope that the day inspires a conversation and sharing of ideas about our alignment with the Calls to Action and identify other ways we could, as a team, take steps forward in the long journey to reconciliation.

From the beginning, Mars has worked to make the best products while making the world a better place. Even the search for a better peanut — solely funded by Mars — was shared openly so farmers and other enterprises could benefit.

What do peanuts have to do with computers? Well…

Since the fall of 2022, Mars has donated more than 1,300 retired laptops and desktops to reBOOT Canada, valued at over $200,000 CAD. While seemingly unrelated to Mars’s leadership in food manufacturing, this generous redirection of resources reflects their deep culture of sharing success and lifting others in need.

These donations directly support access to computers, internet, and essential digital skills. By designating IT assets for donation, Mars has helped reBOOT Canada to:

• Enable over 2,000 Canadian families to access reliable refurbished computers for school, employment, and community programs
• Provide over 4 TB of free Wi-Fi data to remote Indigenous communities, priority urban neighbourhoods and community centres across the country
• Create over 4,000 hours of paid work and training for marginalized youth through on-site and remote training programs

All donated devices are managed through:

• Strict data security and sanitization protocols
• Detailed audits
• Testing and valuation capture
• CRA-compliant reporting and tac receipting

Stories of Possibility

Behind every donated laptop is a story of opportunity. Here are just a few voices from individuals whose lives have been changed thanks to Mars’ generosity. These quotes are taken directly from correspondence with program applicants and have only been edited for clarity and spelling.

A Broader Impact

In addition to directly supporting low-income families and underserved communities, Mars’ contributions have enabled reBOOT Canada to expand our work nationwide — safely diverting retired IT assets from landfills and providing affordable IT services to community organizations.

Thanks to Mars’ continued generosity, more than 2,000 families this year alone have received the technology they need to learn, work, and stay connected. Together, we can build a more connected future for all.

Access to a reliable device and the internet is now the foundation of modern life in Canada. From applying for jobs and completing schoolwork to accessing healthcare and staying connected with loved ones, the digital world is woven into every part of society. For entire communities, internet infrastructure and a connected, informed population is the bedrock of resilience and opportunity.

Not everyone has the same access. Millions of Canadians still lack affordable devices, home internet, or the skills to leverage them — limiting their ability to fully engage in the economy and civic life. The first barrier is often hardware. New laptops and desktops often cost over $500, putting them out of reach for households already struggling to pay rent, groceries, or transportation.

Extending the Life of Donated Devices

We extend the life of donated computers to address that hardware barrier. A refurbished, affordable device gives people a chance to access education, employment, and essential digital services—opening doors to opportunity.

This year, reBOOT Canada will support nearly 2,000 families nationwide, thanks to donations from individuals and corporations.

How Our Process Works

Since 1995, reBOOT Canada has accepted virtually any Information Technology device—laptops, desktops, servers, tablets, cell phones, monitors, routers, and access points. Devices that can’t be refurbished are recycled responsibly at ISO-certified, Basel Convention–compliant facilities in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Plastics and metals are recovered and reintegrated into manufacturing supply chains, reducing demand for virgin materials.

A device isn’t considered obsolete based on appearance, it’s about performance. Even if a computer still powers on, outdated software, worn components, or failure to meet current standards (like Windows 11 compatibility, network security, or affordable maintenance) can render it unusable. About 35% of donations are viable for refurbishment—but with your help, we aim to improve that rate.

Thanks to our partnership with Quantum Lifecycle, even unrecoverable devices generate revenue to support our refurbishment, redeployment, and digital skills-development programs.

Two Sides of the Same Coin

• Input: Used IT equipment
• Output: Digital equity

We securely wipe all donor data, refurbish devices to high standards, and deploy them through managed programs targeting low-income families, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and other under-served communities.

Extending device life isn’t just about technology, it’s about building a more inclusive and sustainable future, where everyone has access to the digital economy, and waste is minimized.

How You Can Help

Businesses & Organizations

• Fill out the form at rebootcanada.ca/donate or email pickup@rebootcanada.ca
• Arrange free pickup of retired IT assets (some conditions apply)
• Ensure secure transport, storage, and certified data sanitization
• Receive a CRA-compliant donation receipt (if residual value applies)

Individuals

• Fill out the form at rebootcanada.ca/donate
• Drop off gently used computers, monitors, cellphones, and tablets at our Toronto, Vancouver, or Peterborough locations
• Donate other electronics at our partner depots in Ontario and BC

Please note that we can’t accept medical or personal hygiene or automotive devices.

When we extend the life of computers, we don’t just reduce e-waste — we empower people, protect the environment, and strengthen communities. At reBOOT Canada, we’re proud to drive that change — and we invite individuals, businesses, and community partners to join us.