Electronic waste or e-waste, which includes computers and accessories, is a growing problem in Australia and a national waste priority. Australians are some of the highest users of new technology in the world, purchasing over 2.4 million computers every year. Unfortunately, as technology changes many of these end up in landfill where toxic materials such as mercury, lead, beryllium and cadmium can leach into the environment.
Computers present a good case for recycling because of their large volumes, high toxicity and good resource recovery potential of non-renewable resources like tin, nickel, zinc and copper. Additionally, increasing community concern has led to the banning of e-waste, including computers, from landfill in some council areas.
Australia will soon have a national recycling scheme for computers. To find out what the program will look like, how it's going to work and when it will start, check out our quick guide here.
However, there are already a number of organisations and programs that recycle, refurbish and reuse computers and accessories in Australia.
Council services for Computers
Australian Capital Territory has listed the following locations where you can recycle your computers.
- Drop off Facility - Mugga Lane Resource Management Facility
- Drop off Facility - The Mitchell Resouce Management Centre
Drop off locations for Computers & Accessories
1 drop off business matches on Computers & Accessories within approx 60km of City ACT
Click the link for business details and map
| Business Name | Address | Suburb | State | Postcode | Distance (Km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiess Services Pty Ltd | Mugga Lane | Symonston | ACT | 2609 |
Pick up locations for Computers & Accessories
8 pick up businesses match your query on Computers & Accessories
Click the link for business details
| Business Name | Details | Picks up | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Recyclers | Minimum quantities apply. | ACT | May apply |
| Thiess Services e-Recycling | Collection Fees may apply. We are able to collect it... | Nationally | May apply |
| Buyequip Pty Ltd | Pick-up service is available when identification is pre... | Nationally | May apply |
| PENTAQ Technology Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | Nationally | May apply |
| Oz Recycle - Australian Recyclers Community - www.ozrecycle.com | Pick-up is arranged between individual community member... | Nationally | Free |
| ReuseMoose.com | Click Business Name for details | Nationally | Free |
| Tiger Waste Collection | Tiger Waste collects all sizes and types of waste. No j... | ACT | May apply |
| Reverse E-Waste | Commercial - Sydney local - min 1/2 pallet Commercial ... | Nationally | May apply |
How to recycle Computers at work
There are some recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of computers. To find a commercial computer recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au.
About Computers in Australia
Every year Australians purchase millions of computers and related components to replace equipment superseded by faster and more powerful technologies. In 2007/08 an estimated 16.8 million computers and televisions reached the end of their useful life in Australia. In 2027/28, this figure is predicted to reach 44 million.
Why recycle Computers?
- Older style cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors contain high levels of toxic materials that need to be disposed of responsibly.
- When disposed to landfill, the materials and chemical components used to make computer equipment such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic can leach into and harm our environment.
What happens when Computers are recycled?
Computers and accessories that are in working order can often be refurbished with new software and some replacement parts. These repackaged computers are generally made available to low-income communities, individuals and community organisations. Electronic waste that is collected for recycling generally undergoes a manual dismantling process. The individual materials such as printed circuit boards, cabling, glass and plastics are recovered and then processed so that they can be used as raw materials to produce new products.
More information
Australia will soon have a national recycling scheme for computers. Find out more here.
Product Stewardship Australia (PSA) is a not-for-profit, industry-led organisation that will help recover and recycle electronic and electrical products in an environmentally sound manner.
