How to get rid of an old water cooler in Quebec

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Do you have a water cooler or water dispenser that no longer works or that you’d like to replace?

Before throwing it in the trash, it’s important to think about its environmental impact. Water coolers contain refrigerant gases that can be harmful to the environment if they’re not handled properly.

Fortunately, GoRecycle offers simple and eco-friendly solutions to help you dispose of your old water cooler in Quebec.

Why it’s essential to recycle old water coolers

Recycling a water cooler is crucial for several reasons:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs): These appliances contain refrigerant gases that are harmful to the environment if not recycled properly.
  • Reducing waste: Every year, numerous cooling appliances end up on the curb in Quebec. By recycling your water dispenser, you help reduce the number of appliances that end up in landfills.
  • Recovering materials: The metal, plastic, and other components in your water dispenser can be recovered and transformed into new products.

Each appliance processed by GoRecycle helps protect the environment and reduce the ecological footprint of households across Quebec.

💡 Did you know?

Recycling an old water cooler is equivalent to eating a vegan diet for one year!

4 ways to get rid of your old water cooler in Quebec

GoRecycle, the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC, offers several practical options for recycling your old water cooler:

1. Free doorstep pickup by GoRecycle

GoRecycle offers a free pickup service for water coolers in Montréal and Laval. Simply make an online request at your convenience to schedule your doorstep pickup.

2. Municipal appliance home removal service

Some municipalities offer a free home pickup service for cooling appliances, including water coolers. Check to see whether your city participates in this program.

3. GoRecycle drop-off points

You can bring your appliance to one of GoRecycle’s 400 official drop-off points across Quebec. These locations ensure your water cooler is handled safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.

GoRecycle accepts all types of household water coolers, including:

✅  Bottom loading water coolers

✅  Top loading water coolers

✅  Bottom loading water dispensers

✅  Bottleless water coolers

✅  Bottled water dispensers

Not accepted:

❌ 18-litre water bottle dispensing spouts

4. Municipal collection events

Many cities in Quebec organize special collection events for electronic devices and cooling appliances, usually held in spring or early fall.

👉 Use GoRecycle’s service locator tool to find the nearest recycling event for household cooling appliances in your area.

5. Donation and resale (reuse)

Does your water cooler still work? Choose reuse over recycling—it’s the most eco-friendly option! You’ll extend its lifespan and help reduce waste.

  • Donate it to charity or to someone in need.
  • Sell it on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to earn a small profit.

Eco-friendly tips for recycling your water dispenser

  • Never leave your water cooler on the curb
  • Unplug your appliance before dropping it off
  • Remove any bottles and accessories to prepare it for processing
  • Choose a drop-off point nearby to minimize transportation emissions

In summary

Thanks to GoRecycle, it’s easy to get rid of a water cooler or water dispenser responsibly in Quebec. Whether it’s through doorstep pickup, drop-off points, or municipal collection events, you can ensure your appliance is recycled responsibly and minimize your environmental impact.

♻️ Ready to significantly reduce your environmental footprint by recycling your water cooler responsibly?

👉 Find a GoRecycle water cooler recycling solution near me

About GoRecycle

GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that ensures the responsible recycling of cooling appliances in Quebec. We recycle refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers and water coolers through nearly 400 drop-off points in Quebec, and over 100 banner pickup partners with the purchase of a new fridge. GoRecycle is a non-profit organization (NPO).