Keep your old technology out of landfill

We all love it when we get the latest shiny new computer or TV with all the bells and whistles. But what do you do with your old ones? Here are some ideas for recycling electronic waste or giving it a second life.

May 27, 2021

Australians are among the highest users of new technology in the world and purchase over 2.4 million computers every year. This makes electronic waste or e-waste (which includes computers and accessories), a growing problem.  

The good news is that the government has a National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme which provides e-waste recycling services. This makes it easy for people to recycle their computers, printers, computer parts and accessories for free. Computers are ideal for recycling due to the inclusion of resources like tin, nickel, zinc and copper.  

Planet Ark maintains a database of television and computer drop-off points, so you can search for recycling near you:  

https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ewastescheme/  

You can also find recycling locations below:

https://techcollect.com.au/

https://ecyclesolutions.net.au/drop-off-locations/  

Check recycling drop-off point providers to confirm what’s accepted in each location. Drop-off points may also accept other e-waste such as mobile phones, batteries and electronics.  

Items you can recycle under the scheme include:  

  • Laptops, notebooks, palmtops and tablets
  • Personal computers
  • All televisions
  • Keyboards
  • Joysticks and game pads
  • Mouses and trackballs
  • Scanners
  • CD drives  
  • Web cameras  

For the full list, go to https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste/consumers/recycling-drop-off  

Give your e-waste a second life

If your old electronic equipment is still working, there are things you can do to prolong its life:

  • Offer it to your friends or family.
  • Ask second-hand shops or charities if they could make use of them.
  • List it on your local Buy Nothing Group or local Community Facebook page.
  • See if your local school could make use of any laptops or TVs.  

Sources:
https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ewastescheme/
https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste/consumers/recycling-drop-off

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