Recycling Computers and Electronic Waste in the Aputula Housing Assoc Incorporated area
Electronic or 'e-waste' is the waste associated with the use and disposal of electronic equipment such as computers, televisions and printers.
E-waste can contain a broad range of materials including precious metals (such as gold and platinum), toxic heavy metals, metal circuitry, mixed plastics, fire retardants and glass. The problem is growing significantly in Australia as we have a fast uptake and turnover of electronic products.
Australia does not currently have a national e-waste recycling scheme, although there are collection programs for some of these wastes. They include:
Computers and their Peripherals: There are a number of companies that either recycle, refurbish or reuse computers in your state. For locations in your area see the computer recycling section on this page.
The AIIA (Australian Information Industry Association) has set up an Environment Special Interest Group to develop a national approach to computer recycling. For more information visit the AIIA website
Televisions: The Consumer Electronics Suppliers' Association (CESA) has formed a not-for-profit company called Product Stewardship Australia Ltd, in order to promote and manage environmentally-sound disposal and recycling of TVs. Visit the Product Stewardship Australia website to keep up to date with the developments on this project.
Printers/Photocopiers: If they are still in good working order or are fairly new, reuse or refurbishment may be an option. For locations in your area see the computer recycling section on this page or contact the manufacturer.
Printer Cartridges: The voluntary extended producer responsibility program called 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' is supported and funded by seven of Australia's leading print manufacturers. All types and brands of printer cartridges are accepted for recycling. For more information visit the printer cartridge recycling section on this site.
Mobile Phones: The official mobile phone industry recycling program is called MobileMuster. It is run by AMTA (Australia Mobile Telecommunication Association) and is funded solely by its members. For more information on this program and other mobile phone recycling programs, visit the mobile phone recycling section on this site.
Below are the companies that will recycle, refurbish or reuse Computers and their Peripherals in your state.
Order by Name or by companies that will Recycle, Refurbish or Reuse
DELL Computer Recycling
- Recycle
Phone: 1800 465 890
Email: recycling_dell_au@dell.com
DELL Computer Recycling Website
Drop Off Address: Will pick up DELL branded products within 40km of CBD free of charge. Pick up from other locations for a fee. Drop off available at MRI in Sydney or Melbourne.
Fee: Fees May Apply
Details: Free recycling pickups for any Dell branded IT equipment via the website online form. For collection of all other brands, phone for further information.
MRI Australia
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 1300 858 550
Email: mri@mri.com.au
MRI Australia Website
Drop Off Address: Pick up service for all NT locations
Fee: Fees May Apply
Details: Will pick up all equipment from individuals and businesses. Accepts computer and electrical equipment (except whitegoods).
Tic Group
- Recycle
Phone: 03 9093 6600
Email: ewaste@ticgroup.com.au
Tic Group Website
Drop Off Address: Commercial Pick Ups Australia Wide
Fee: Fees Apply
Details: Will pick up any electronic equiment in commercial quantities Australia wide.
Computer recycling in Australia
Every year Australians purchase millions of computers and related components to replace equipment superceded by faster and more powerful technologies. Whilst computers are getting smaller and lighter, they are still a major waste management issue - particularly with older computers and monitors.
The AIIA (Australian Information Industry Association) has set up an Environment Special Interest Group which is addressing the environmental impact of computers. Negotiations are currently underway between the AIIA and other bodies with a view to establishing a national computer recycling scheme. For more information visit the AIIA website.
Computers and the Environment
- Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors contain high levels of toxic materials that need to be disposed of more responsibly.
- When dumped in our landfills the materials and chemical components used to make computer equipment such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic can leach into and harm our environment.
