Montreal's Greenest Phone Shop
Selling, exchanging, buying or recycling at SubSell is a concrete action for the planet — without paying more.
Our commitment: 1 transaction = 1 tree planted
Every buyback, exchange, and sale at SubSell funds the planting of a tree via our environmental partners. It's how we turn every transaction into measurable action for the planet — at no extra cost to you.
Counter updated monthly. Planting partner will be announced publicly once the agreement is finalized.
SubSell's concrete impact since 2017
50,000+
Devices diverted from landfills since 2017
~3,500 t
Tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided (estimate)
100%
Of devices processed responsibly
$0
Recycling fees — always free
CO₂ calculation: 70 kg per reused phone × 50,000 transactions ≈ 3,500 tonnes CO₂ avoided (reference: Apple Environmental Progress Reports, Restart Project).
Why buying and selling refurbished is better for the planet
According to Apple's environmental reports, manufacturing a new iPhone generates approximately 70 kg of CO₂ emissions — equivalent to driving 350 km. Buying a refurbished iPhone reduces that carbon footprint by approximately 91% compared to buying a new one.
Phones, tablets and laptops contain cobalt, lithium, gold and rare earth elements — resources extracted at significant environmental cost. Each device resold at SubSell avoids the mining extraction needed to produce a new device in your place.
That's why we believe the best recycling starts with reuse. Reselling is greener than recycling — and recycling beats landfill.
Responsible recycling for non-resellable devices
For devices too damaged, too old, or with unrecoverable components, SubSell offers free, compliant recycling.
- Committed to working only with recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards (ARPE-Québec, Recyc-Québec).
- Each non-resellable device tracked through to final processing.
- No recycling fee, regardless of device condition.
- Compliant recovery of cobalt, lithium, gold and rare earth elements for re-entry into the supply chain.
Circular economy at the shop
SubSell's model is simple: customers sell their devices → we inspect and refurbish → other customers buy with a 6-month warranty. Circular economy in action, in Montreal.
1. Sale
Customer A brings their old iPhone and walks out with cash.
2. Refurbish
The device is inspected, tested, cleaned. Faulty components replaced.
3. Resale
Customer B walks out with a 6-month warranty iPhone and accessories included.
Each iPhone you sell us typically goes through 1 to 3 new owners before being finally recycled.
For businesses with ESG commitments
SubSell offers a bulk trade-in program tailored for businesses with ESG or CSR objectives.
- Bulk trade-in of business devices (iPhones, MacBooks, iPads) with on-site evaluation.
- Data destruction certificates (compliant secure wipe).
- Environmental reporting on demand: CO₂ avoided, devices diverted, trees planted in your company's name.
FAQ — Environmental commitment
Are you eco-certified?
We are committed to working only with recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards (ARPE-Québec, Recyc-Québec). We are not B Corp certified at this time, but we publish our monthly impact on this page.
How does the tree-planting work?
For every transaction (buyback, sale, exchange), SubSell is committed to financially contributing to planting a tree via our environmental partners. Partner details will be announced publicly once the agreement is finalized.
Are your prices higher because of the environmental commitment?
No. We offer Montreal's most competitive prices and fund our environmental commitment from our margins, not yours.
Can I donate my old phone to a cause?
Bring your device and let us know. Its value is converted into an additional donation to a local environmental organization of your choice (Tree Canada, David Suzuki Foundation, etc.).
Do you calculate the carbon footprint I avoided?
On request. We provide a certificate showing the carbon footprint avoided by your transaction (70 kg CO₂ per reused phone on average).
What do you do with packaging and accessories?
Original Apple boxes: resold with the device. Working cables: resold as accessories. Non-resellable materials: sorted and recycled in compliance with regulations.
A question about our commitment?
Contact us directly — reply within the hour.
Sell, trade or recycle. Plant a tree.
757 Rue Beaubien East, Montreal • Mon-Sun 9 AM-10 PM • No appointment