Looking to recycle materials other than e-waste? Find out how by visiting Planet Ark RecyclingNearYou
Some products we use regularly like mobile phones, computers and TVs can also be recycled as they are made from valuable materials that can be used to make new products.
When we no longer need them, we call them e-waste.
The Australian government has funded a National Television and Recycling Scheme (NTRS) that enables us to recycle our e-waste for free. This is a different recycling system to the kerb side one we use for other household items like paper, cardboard, glass, aluminium cans and some plastic products.
Where can I recycle my TVs and computers?
There are a number of different types of recycling and collection services available, depending on where you live.
These include:
- Permanent collection sites at local waste transfer stations or resource recovery centres
- Retail outlets
- One off recycling collection events - often run by local Councils
Services are free for households and small businesses, however charges may apply for larger businesses.
Not all drop-off points in Australia are part of the scheme, so fees may be charged at some locations. Contact the providers below or your local council for details.
Planet Ark maintains a database of television and computer drop-off points on its website: Planet Ark – RecyclingNearYou.
The following organisations are approved to provide recycling services under the scheme. For more information, including details of the collection services and drop-off points they provide, visit their websites:
What TV and computer products are covered?
The following items can be recycled under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
| Product | Product type |
|---|---|
| Televisions | Colour televisions |
| Black and white televisions | |
| Computers | Laptops, notebooks, palmtops and tablets |
| Personal computers | |
| Central processing units for personal computers | |
| Monitors and projectors, including cathode-ray tube and flat screen monitors | |
| Printers | Multi-function printers with print, copy and fax transmission |
|
Single-function printers |
|
| Computer parts and peripherals | Keyboards |
| Joysticks and game pads | |
| Mouses and trackballs | |
| Scanners | |
| Compact disc drives, including burners | |
| Digital video disc drives, including burners | |
| Hard drives | |
| Memory cards, including network, sound, video, IDE, SCSI and similar | |
| Motherboards | |
| Electrical transformers and static converters | |
| Web cameras |
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.
Where can I recycle mobile phones?
MobileMuster is a government-accredited organisation that recycles mobile phones and accessories. Visit their website to find out about their collection services and drop-off points.
Where can I recycle other products?
Visit thePlanet Ark RecyclingNearYou website and it will tell you where you can recycle a range of other products such as printer cartridges, batteries, light globes, paint, whitegoods and plastic.
Further information
Contact us
For more information on e-waste and the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, contact ewaste@environment.gov.au or call 1800 332 783.