Electronic waste or e-waste, which includes computers and accessories, is a growing problem in Australia. Australians are some of the highest users of new technology in the world, purchasing over 2.4 million computers every year. 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.
Australia now has a free national recycling scheme for computers (and televisions). Under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, every company that makes and/or imports TVs and computers into Australia is required to pay for the end of life recycling of these products.
The largest organisation approved under the national scheme is TechCollect; a not-for-profit e-waste recycling service, representing over 60 of Australia's leading technology importers and manufacturers. TechCollect is committed to setting the standard for responsible e-waste recycling. We are proud to have TechCollect as a supporter of this page.
As well as TechCollect, there are other organisations and programs that recycle, refurbish and reuse computers and accessories in Australia. You can find them by searching on this page.
Find recycling options for other electrical items including TVs, printer cartridges, mobile phones, small electrical appliances, batteries, car batteries, and whitegoods.
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
6 drop off businesses match on Computers & Accessories within approx 60km of City ACT
Click the link for business details and map. Approved businesses are participants in the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
| Business Name | Address | Suburb | State | Postcode | Distance (Km) | Approved | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Norman | Ipswich Road | Fyshwick | ACT | 2609 | Yes | Drop Zone | |
| Act Nowaste - Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre | Mugga Lane | Symonston | ACT | 2609 | Yes | Drop Zone | |
| Canberra Mitchell Resource Management Centre | Flemington Road | Mitchell Park | ACT | 2911 | Yes | Drop Zone | |
| CCA (Charity Computers Australia) | 22 Cartwright Street | Charnwood | ACT | 2615 | |||
| SITA Australia | 41 Alderson Place | Hume | ACT | 2620 | |||
| MRI ACT pty Ltd | 78-80 Townsville St | Fyshwick | ACT | 2609 | Yes | Drop Zone |
Pick up locations for Computers & Accessories
26 pick up businesses match your query on Computers & Accessories
Click the link for business details
| Business Name | Details | Picks up | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Recyclers | Click on name for detail or call 1300594636 | ACT | May apply |
| TSR E-waste | Pick up service for bulk loads only. | ACT | May apply |
| MRI (Aust) Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | Nationally | May apply |
| TES-AMM Australia Pty Ltd | Pick up of commercial quantities only. | 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 (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Recycling Solutions | We accept product delivered on pallets. We can provid... | ACT | May apply |
| Reverse E-Waste | Commercial - Sydney local - min 1/2 pallet Commercial ... | Nationally | May apply |
| Computer Source Australia Pty.Ltd. | We offer a national pick up service. The cost is depend... | Nationally (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| CCA (Charity Computers Australia) | Click Business Name for details | ACT | May apply |
| Shred-X Document Destruction & Australian Paper Recycling | Services available from a "One Off" collection through ... | Nationally | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Capital Waste Skips | Click Business Name for details | ACT | May apply |
| Dennis Maddock Recycling | I charge a fee of $10 to cover my costs. | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Loumbos Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | ACT | May apply |
| eCycleCorp Pty Ltd | Bulk quantities | Nationally | May apply |
| ANZ Asset Managment | Bookings are essential for pick-up. Please provide ph... | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| SITA Australia | Click Business Name for details | ACT (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| MRI ACT pty Ltd | Minimum quantities and charges apply. | ACT (Metro Area Only) | 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 is currently rolling out a new 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.
