Winter Season at Eco-Tech

​Winter Saturday Policy:

Maintenance Fee Due to Heavy Snowfall

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At Eco-Tech Waterloo, maintaining a safe and accessible recycling environment is a top priority—even during challenging winter conditions. To continue offering reliable e-waste recycling, refurbished computer sales, and secure data-destruction services, we have implemented a Winter Maintenance Fee during specific high-impact weather scenarios. The following detailed policy explains when the fee applies, why it is necessary, and how it affects different types of visitors.

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Why This Winter Fee Exists

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During the winter season, Eco-Tech Waterloo implements a $5 Winter Maintenance Fee on Saturdays only, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when heavy snowfall of 5 cm or more has occurred. This operational policy ensures that we can continue offering safe, year-round recycling and drop-off services even during the harshest months of the year.

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Because our property management company does not provide any snow or ice removal at our front or rear entrances during Saturday hours, our staff must personally perform tasks such as:

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• Manually shoveling snow from the front entrance

• Maintaining clean, dry, and slip-free indoor foyer areas

• Applying salt and de-icer as needed

• Ensuring safe walkways for all customers, including those carrying heavy e-waste items

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These activities require additional labour, time, and staffing resources. The $5 fee allows us to keep the facility safe for drop-offs and browsing while continuing to offer cost-efficient recycling options to the community.

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Important Notice About E-Waste Drop-Off Procedure

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To maintain consistency and safety, all E-waste deliveries must be made at the front entrance during standard operating hours. Customers attempting to avoid this fee by entering through the rear of the facility will be called out, redirected, and required to re-enter through the front, as per policy. All entrances are monitored using high-definition surveillance cameras to ensure customer safety, accurate traffic flow, and compliance with our winter procedures.

This system also helps us track the amount of e-waste entering the facility and maintain a secure chain-of-custody for data-bearing electronics such as hard drives, cell phones, and storage devices.

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Who the Fee Applies To

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The Winter Maintenance Fee applies to the following groups:

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• Customers dropping off E-waste, including batteries, computers, monitors, electronics, cables, and other recyclables

• Visitors browsing refurbished computers or monitors in-store without making a purchase; those interested in browsing are encouraged to explore our virtual store or call ahead prior to visiting

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These groups directly use the walk-in facility during the winter’s highest-risk hours, and the maintenance fee helps support the cost of keeping the site cleared and safe.

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Who Is Exempt From the Fee

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The following customers do not pay the winter fee:

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• Customers dropping off paper for secure shredding

• Customers purchasing refurbished computers, monitors, or accessories 

• Customers using our data destruction services

• Customers visiting for computer repair services

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We provide these exemptions because these services directly support Eco-Tech’s sustainability goals and customer-focused operations.

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Additional Winter Policy Details

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To ensure transparency and fairness:

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• The fee is charged once per day, per customer, regardless of how many items are dropped off

• Even with the $5 seasonal charge, Eco-Tech’s e-waste services remain significantly more affordable than the Waterloo Region Dump’s $12 minimum charge per vehicle

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By keeping fees low while maintaining high safety standards, we continue to offer one of the region’s most accessible and environmentally responsible recycling options.

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How to Pay the Winter Maintenance Fee

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We aim to make the payment process as quick and smooth as possible. Please have your payment ready upon arrival.
Eco-Tech accepts:

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• Cash

• Credit cards

• Debit cards

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Payments are processed at the time of your visit to maintain operational efficiency during peak winter hours.

 

Tip to Avoid the Fee

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If you prefer to avoid the winter fee entirely, simply visit us Monday to Friday, during regular hours starting at 10:00 AM.
These weekday visits are ideal for customers who prefer lower traffic, easier unloading, and a smoother, quicker overall experience.

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Our Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

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We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep Eco-Tech a safe, environmentally responsible facility throughout the winter season. These measures allow us to continue providing:

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• Affordable e-waste recycling

• Secure data destruction

• Low-cost refurbished computers

• Reliable repair services

• Accessible drop-off areas

• Community-focused sustainability programs

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Thank you for your continued support.

Stay safe this winter—and thank you for helping us keep recyclable materials out of landfills and in the circular economy where they belong.