National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

The Australian Government has introduced a national, industry funded, recycling scheme for televisions and computers. The scheme will prevent millions of old TVs and computers from being sent to landfill by providing opportunities for the community to recycle their unwanted televisions and computers free of charge.

Where are scheme services available?

Search the RecyclingNearYou directory for location and contact details of scheme services:

Industry arrangements, approved by the Australian Government, are responsible for establishing scheme recycling drop off points around Australia, with the aim of providing access to recycling services in metropolitan, regional and remote areas by the end of 2013.

The first recycling services were established in May 2012, and collection services are now available to communities in all states and territories.

How does it work?

The scheme is funded and run by industry. Any organisation that makes and/or imports televisions or computers in Australia is now required to contribute funds to support recycling of these products. The funds they contribute are used by industry-run arrangements to deliver recycling drop off points around Australia
The Australian Government sets recycling targets and parameters for providing recycling services, to be met by approved industry arrangements. The first recycling target year for the scheme is 2012-13. Industry is required to collect and recycle up to 30 per cent of televisions and computers disposed of during this first target year.

For more information on the scheme, including details of how to get involved as a recycler or collection service provider, visit the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities.

What other recycling options are available for televisions and computers?

Sending old computers and TVs to landfill is a waste of resources and increases the risk of toxic materials entering the environment. If scheme services aren't yet available in your area there are a range of things you can do with your old electronic equipment:

• Safely store them in a dry place until there is a scheme collection point available.
• Find out if your local council has a recycling option for computers or televisions
• Check the brand name of the equipment and contact the manufacturer to see if they offer a recycling program
• Offer old equipment to your friends or family
• Ask second-hand shops or charities if they could make use of them.

If you're switching 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 after the switchover if they are connected to a set-top box or personal video recorder (PVR). This may be a less expensive and more environmentally friendly option than replacing and disposing of your analogue television.

If your workplace has TVs and computers to dispose of, visit the Electronic Equipment pages on Planet Ark's BusinessRecycling website.

Recycling options for other e-waste

• Use the 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' program to recycle printer cartridges.
• Use the MobileMuster program to recycle old mobile phones, their batteries and accessories.
• Use Aldi supermarkets or Battery World stores to recycle used household batteries.

Scheme arrangements

Four organisations have been approved to deliver recycling services under the scheme. For more information on these organisations, including details of the services they provide, visit their scheme websites: