In 2011 the Australian Government introduced a national, industry funded, recycling scheme for televisions, computers and computer accessories. The scheme prevents millions of old or broken TVs and computers from being sent to landfill by providing the community with recycling services, free of charge. There are even some free services for businesses with larger quantities to recycle.
ABOUT THE SCHEME
Electrical products generally accepted under the scheme include TVs, computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, hard drives, motherboards, fax machines, webcams, keyboards, computer mice, and cables. However, accepted products may differ depending on the recycler, so it is advisable to check beforehand (either directly or by searching the directory below and selecting the business for details).
Five organisations are currently approved to deliver recycling services under the scheme. For more information on these organisations, including the types of products they accept for recycling, visit their websites:
How does the scheme work?
The scheme is funded and run by industry. Any organisation that makes and/or imports televisions or computers in Australia is required to contribute funds to support the recycling of these products. The funds they contribute are used to deliver recycling services around Australia.
The Australian Government sets recycling targets and parameters for providing recycling services, to be met by approved industry arrangements. Under the scheme, industry must fund the recycling of a proportion of waste televisions and computers each year, commencing with 30 per cent in 2012–13 and increasing to 80 per cent in 2021–22. State and territories, and through them local governments, retain responsibility for televisions and computers at their end of life beyond these targets.
For more information on the scheme, including details of how to get involved as a recycler or collection service provider, visit the Department of the Environment.
Are there other recycling options for televisions and computers?
Sending old computers, their accessories and TVs to landfill is a waste of resources and increases the risk of toxic materials entering the environment. If a scheme service isn’t currently available in your area, there are a range of things you can do with your old electronic equipment:
-
Contact your local council to see if there is a recycling option for computers or televisions in your area
-
Check the brand name of the equipment and contact the manufacturer to see if they offer a recycling program
-
If the electronics still work, offer them to your friends or family
-
Ask second-hand shops or charities if they could make use of working electronics
-
Safely store them in a dry place until there is a scheme collection point available
If you've switched to a digital TV, you don't need to throw your analog television away. Most analog televisions (even ones with just a plug for the antenna cable) can still be used if they are connected to a set-top box or digital video recorder (DVR). This may be a less expensive and more environmentally friendly option than replacing and disposing of your analog television.
RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR BUSINESSES AND WORKPLACES
If your workplace has TVs and computers to dispose of, visit Planet Ark’s Business Recycling website to find recycling services in your area.
RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR OTHER ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS
More information
Learn about Product Stewardship.
Discover the circular economy.
