Australians are among the highest users of electronics in the world, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.
As a country, we produce more than 650,000 tonnes of e-waste every year. While a percentage of these computers, smartphones, printers, DVD players, TVs and other electronics are recycled, the majority of them simply end up as e-waste in a landfill. This is not only a huge waste of precious resources, but also a potential danger as the toxic metal elements found in e-waste can be damaging to the environment and to our health.
Play your part and recycle your e-waste
Luckily, it’s easy to keep old electronics out of landfill. Almost all types of old and unwanted electronic and electrical equipment can be recycled. If it has a plug, a power cord or a battery we can recycle it free (or dispose of it safely) for you.
How to recycle your e-waste responsibly
You can recycle e-waste safely through the following channels:
You can have your broken, obsolete and unwanted electronics picked up from your home as part of our free book a pick-up service. Collection days depend on where you live and bookings are essential.
Alternatively, you can drop off your electronics at one of our quarterly e-waste drop-off days.
Our next e-waste drop-off day will be on Saturday 14 September 2019 from 9am to 3pm at Alexandra Canal Depot, 67C Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015.
Let your neighbours or co-workers know about the event. Download the promotional poster to display in your apartment building or office.
What I can take to the e-waste drop-off
- TVs
- computers – desktops, monitors, laptops and printers
- home and home office equipment – photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, servers, projectors, stereos, gaming consoles, DVD players and video recorders
- computer peripherals such as joysticks
- electronic components
- phones – mobiles and landlines
- small household appliances: vacuum cleaners, microwaves, toasters, mixers, blenders, kettles, heaters, irons, coffee machines, ironing boards and pedestal fans
- power tools – drills, circular saws, power boards, electric lawnmowers, electric trimmers, electric leaf blowers (no gas or petrol powered items, please).
What I can’t take to the e-waste drop-off
- hazardous waste – chemicals, paints and pesticides
- smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
- fluorescent tubes and energy saving light globes (CFLs).
Household batteries, mobiles and light bulbs can be recycled at the City’s customer service centres or libraries. All other items on this list can be recycled at a Household Chemical CleanOut collection.
What about items that still work?
If your items are still in working condition, try to find a new home for your unwanted electronic goods first. You could give them away to someone who needs it so it is re-used. Try advertising online through Facebook Marketplace , Gumtree ,Trading Post , Ebay , OzRecycle or freecyle .
Find out more about other reuse, repair and rehoming options .
Items handed in at our e-waste collections are strictly for recycling. This way, we can guarantee that at the end of their life, valuable materials are recovered and recycled into new products and unusable materials are disposed of responsibly.
Don’t forget to delete your data
Your data is your responsibility. Make sure all data is permanently wiped from your device before it’s picked up or dropped off. The recycling process doesn’t include data wiping, only destruction.
Where does it all go?
All the e-waste collected by us is processed locally where around 95% of it is recycled. Components are stripped, then broken down into commodities and circulated back into the market for new products.
What: E-Waste Recycling @ Alexandra Canal Depot
When: 14 September 2019
Where: Alexandra Canal Depot in Alexandria
To Find Out More & To Book A Free Pick Up Click Here