Electronic waste or e-waste, which includes televisions, is a growing problem in Australia and a national waste priority. Recycling televisions recovers valuable metals, plastics and glass, and prevents groundwater contamination from the lead in cathode ray tubes.
Australia will soon have a national recycling scheme for televisions. 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 accept televisions for recycling in Australia.
Council services for Televisions
Australian Capital Territory has listed the following locations where you can recycle your televisions.
- Drop off Facility - Mugga Lane Resource Management Facility
- Drop off Facility - The Mitchell Resouce Management Centre
Drop off locations for Televisions
2 drop off businesses match on Televisions 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 | |
| Canberra Mitchell Resource Management Centre | Flemington Road | Mitchell Park | ACT | 2911 |
Pick up locations for Televisions
11 pick up businesses match your query on Televisions
Click the link for business details
| Business Name | Details | Picks up | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Recyclers | Minimum quantities apply. | ACT | May apply |
| TSR E-waste | Pick up service for bulk loads only. | ACT | May apply |
| TES-AMM Australia Pty Ltd | Pick up of commercial quantities only. | Nationally | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to recycle Televisions at work
There are some recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of televisions. To find a commercial television recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au.
About Televisions in Australia
Every year Australians purchase millions of televisions and related components to replace equipment superseded by faster and more powerful technologies. In 2007/08 an estimated 16.8 million televisions and computers reached the end of their useful life in Australia. In 2027/28, this figure is predicted to reach 44 million.
Why recycle Televisions?
Televisions containing cathode ray tubes are one of the leading causes of lead contamination in municipal waste streams. These tubes can contain up to 4 kg of lead and other toxic materials such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Lead is a cumulative poison that can contaminate groundwater and have harmful effects on human and animal health. By recycling televisions, waste is diverted from landfill and resources such as metals, precious metals, plastics and glass are recovered.
What happens when Televisions are recycled?
Some television components may still be useable, enabling certain parts to be directed into a reuse stream. To be recycled, televisions must be broken down into their many different components.
- Cathode ray tube (CRT) glass contains a high concentration of lead. This means it can't go back into the normal glass recovery process like glass bottles. CRT glass is typically crushed and cleaned. One of the major reuses for CRT glass is in manufacturing new television and computer monitors.
- Circuit boards are shredded down to a fine powder and separated into plastics and precious metals. This material can be reformed into a range of products.
- Plastic casings are shredded and tested for their composition. Once identified, the plastics can be melted and extruded for use in new products.
- Scrap metals are typically melted down to form new metal-based components.
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.
