Our commitment: reuse and responsible recycling in Montreal
Every device that can still be used goes back into circulation. The ones that can't are recycled free of charge, through recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards.
No device goes in the trash
A device brought into SubSell takes one of two paths. If it still works, or can be restored to working condition, it is inspected, prepared and resold with a warranty: it goes home with someone else instead of being replaced by a brand-new device. If it is too damaged or too old to resell, we take it anyway and have it recycled — free of charge, at no cost to you, whatever its condition.
We work only with recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards (ARPE-Québec, Recyc-Québec) and track every non-resellable device through to final processing.
SubSell's concrete impact since 2017
50,000+
Devices diverted from landfills since 2017
1 to 3
New owners per device, typically, before final recycling
100%
Of devices processed responsibly
$0
Recycling fees — always free
The devices we buy back go back into circulation first; only the ones that can no longer be used are sent for recycling, to recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards (ARPE-Québec, Recyc-Québec).
Why buying and selling refurbished is better for the planet
Buying a refurbished iPhone means one less device to manufacture: the one you buy already exists. All it needs is to be inspected, tested, cleaned and put back in the hands of someone who will use it — which is exactly what we do in the shop before every resale, and it is the most direct way to avoid the manufacture of a brand-new device.
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).
- Reporting on demand: number of devices taken back, devices put back into circulation and devices handed to compliant recycling.
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: this page simply describes what we do, in the shop, with every device handed to us.
What happens to a device that can no longer be resold?
It is recycled, free of charge. Devices too damaged or too old for resale are collected at the shop, then handed to recyclers compliant with Quebec environmental standards (ARPE-Québec, Recyc-Québec), who recover the cobalt, lithium, gold and rare earth elements. We track every non-resellable device through to final processing.
Are your prices higher because of the environmental commitment?
No. Recycling non-resellable devices is absorbed by the shop and never billed to the customer, regardless of device condition. Our buyback prices and our sale prices stay the same whether you walk out with cash or leave us a device to recycle.
Is my data erased before resale or recycling?
Yes. Every device headed for resale is reset to factory settings and checked before it goes back on the shelf. For devices sent to recycling, storage components are physically destroyed by our partners. Businesses can request a data destruction certificate.
Do I have to buy or sell something to recycle a device?
No. Bring the device to 757 Rue Beaubien East, no appointment, even if you buy nothing and sell nothing. If it still has resale value we make you a cash offer; if not, we take it in for recycling at no charge.
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. No fees, no appointment.
757 Rue Beaubien East, Montreal • Mon-Sun 9 AM-9 PM • No appointment