National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

A national, industry funded, computer and TV recycling scheme was launched in May 2012. The Federal and state governments have joined with the responsible members of the TV and computer manufacturing industries to develop legislation and guidelines for the establishment of this scheme.

What is it?

In May 2012 the new scheme, called the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, was launched at two locations and will be rolled out nationally over five years. Basically it means that any company that makes and/or imports TVs and computers into Australia will be required to pay for the end-of-life recycling of these products.

How will it work?

Free collection points for used TVs and computers are being set up around the country (the details of forthcoming locations are yet to be released). Once collected, the TVs and computers will be transported (if necessary) and responsibly recycled.

Consumers of TVs and computers will be responsible for ensuring that their end of life TVs and computers are left at a designated collection point to be recycled. There will be no charge to drop off an item.

Consumers may be charged a small fee when they purchase a new computer or TV to cover the future cost of collection and recycling.

All the arrangements for the collection and recycling of end of life TVs and computers will be managed by the TV and computer industry. The scheme is supported by legislation that ensures all manufacturers and importers of TVs and computers take responsibility for their products.

When did it start?

The new recycling scheme for end of life TVs and computers started at two locations on 15 May 2012 and it will be rolled out across Australia over five years. The legislation supporting this scheme was passed by the Federal Parliament on 22 June 2011 and regulations came into effect on 8 November 2011.

What will the scheme achieve?

The new recycling scheme will prevent millions of old TVs and computers from being sent to landfill.

In 2007/08 an estimated 16.8 million TVs and computers reached the end of their useful life in Australia. In 2027/28, this figure is predicted to reach 44 million.

The goal of the new scheme is to lift the current recycling rate for TVs and computers from 17% to 80% in the first 10 years of operation.

Where can I find out more?

For more information on the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme visit the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

What do I do until the scheme starts in my area?

Sending old computers and TVs to landfill is a waste of resources and can lead to toxic materials entering the environment. Until the scheme starts 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 collection point near you.
• Find out if your local council has a recycling option for computers or televisions, or if there's special event in your area soon
• 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 Battery World stores to recycle used household batteries.

If you're switching to a digital TV, it's less expensive and more environmentally friendly to buy a digital set-top box or digital TV recorder than to replace and dispose of your current TV.

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