Recycling Computers and Electronic Waste in the Bega Valley Shire Council 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
1800EWASTE Pty Ltd
- Recycle
Phone: 1800 392 783
Email: mail@ewaste.com.au
1800EWASTE Pty Ltd Website
Drop Off Address: Pick Ups Only
Fee: May Apply
Computer Source Australia Pty Ltd
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 02 9648 4098
Email: computersource@bigpond.com
Computer Source Australia Pty Ltd Website
Drop Off Address: Unit 6, 1 Burroway (Hill) Rd Homebush Bay 2127
Fee: Do not apply
Details: All e-waste, computers, monitors, printers etc.
Computer Technologies for Schools Project
- Reuse
Phone: 0428 250 392
Email: ctfs@edna.edu.au
Computer Technologies for Schools Project Website
Drop Off Address: Nationwide program: pick up or direct link with needy recipient
Fee: Fees do not apply
Details: Equipment in good working condition only. Pentium 4 or equivalent. No CRT monitors. National program, computers go to schools or individuals in need. Accepts donations from individuals and businesses.
ComputerBank New England Inc
- Refurbish
Phone: 02 6778 4443
Email: cbne@tpgi.com.au
ComputerBank New England Inc Website
Drop Off Address: 19 Hill St, Uralla, NSW 2358
Fee: No Fees Apply - Donations gratefully accepted
Details: Accept all computer equipment, refurbish and then donate. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm. Charity Organisation.
ComputerBank NSW Hunter
- Recycle
- Refurbish
Phone: 02 4957 2300
Email: computerbankhunter@chha.org.au
Drop Off Address: 30 Verulam Road, Lambton
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: This charity organisation accepts working and non working hard drives for refurbishing and recycling. Does not accept printers, scanners, photocopiers or multifunction peripherals. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm. Call Monday and Wednesday to speak to a computer specialist.
Computerbank NSW Illawarra
- Recycle
- Refurbish
Phone: 1300 769 919
Email: cbi@fishinternet.com.au
Computerbank NSW Illawarra Website
Drop Off Address: 28 Jardine Street, Fairy Meadow
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Accept Pentium 3 and upwards, monitiors and accessories (no printers). Working equipment only. Open Wednesdays 10am-3pm and Fridays 10 - 3pm.
Computers for Kids
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 02 9631 9300
Fee: No Fee
Details: Part of Rotary Club of Prospect. Collect working newer models for disadvantaged children.
Computers for Young and Old
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 02 9623 6473 / 0404 035 177
Email: trucky581@optusnet.com.au
Computers for Young and Old Website
Drop Off Address: 1/28 Cox Ave, Kingswood NSW 2747
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Accept all computer equipment (working and non working) including mobile phones, business phone systems, MP3's, PDA's, laptops and server equipment. Computers are donated to local individuals and groups in need. Also take some other items including working TV's, mowers and other household materials. Pickup available anywhere in Sydney area depending on volume. This does not apply to private homeowners donating. We are now open for public drop offs on Saturdays 10am - 4pm - all items accepted free of charge.
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.
Hewlett - Packard
- Recycle
Email: assetrecoveryasiapacific@hp.com
Hewlett - Packard Website
Fee: Fees may apply
Details: Asset Recovery Services Programme accepts any manufacturer's
printers, scanners, fax machines, personal computers, servers and
computer peripherals. This service is available to HP corporate
customers only.
IBM Australia Ltd
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 132 426
Email: disposal@au1.ibm.com
IBM Australia Ltd Website
Drop Off Address: Sydney, ACT, Melbourne (phone for details)
Fee: Fees apply for some items
Details: Take all brands and IT equipment. Aimed at businesses with a minimum of 25 items per client. Will also accept drop offs from individuals. Email is the most effective communication.
IT Liquidators
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 0433 477 886
Email: enquiries@itliquidators.com.au
IT Liquidators Website
Drop Off Address: pick up only
Fee: Fees Apply - please call for details
Details: Accept any manufacturers' printers, scanners, fax machines, PC's, monitors, servers, server racks, photocopiers & multifunction peripherals, UPS's, backup batteries, PABX systems, telco equipment, exchange switches, car batteries, electrical equipment.
MRI Australia
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 1300 858 550
Email: mri@mri.com.au
MRI Australia Website
Drop Off Address: 1-5 Bentey Street, Wetherill Park
Fee: Fees May Apply
Details: Hours for drop off Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Will pick up all equipment from individuals and businesses. Accepts computer and electrical equipment (except whitegoods).
PGM Refiners Pty Ltd
- Recycle
Phone: 03 9796 5596
Email: office@pgmrefiners.com
PGM Refiners Pty Ltd Website
Drop Off Address: 3/13 Swaffam Rd, Minto
Fee: Fees apply to Monitors and TVs only, all other items are free of charge.
Reverse Garbage
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 02 9569 3132
Reverse Garbage Website
Drop Off Address: 8/142 Addison Road, Marrickville
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Take working and non-working computers. Only take working monitors and working printers and scanners. All cables and associated peripherals are accepted. Call first.
Salvation Army
- Reuse
Phone: 13 16 40
Salvation Army Website
Drop Off Address: Tempe and Minchinbury Salvation Army depots
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Accept working computers less than 5 years old (must include the key board, mouse and monitor. Equipment to be resold at Op Shops.
Saturn Alliance
- Refurbish
Phone: 02 9882 5000
Email: info@saturnalliance.com.au
Saturn Alliance Website
Drop Off Address: Suite 4, Level 2 Focus Business Park, 64 Talavera Road North Ryde
Fee: Fees May Apply
Details: Working or near working computers (machines less than 4 years old), no printers/faxes. Refurbish and donate to needy groups/individuals.
SIMS GROUP e- Recycling
- Recycle
Phone: 02 9728 2658
Email: e-recycling@au.sims-group.com
SIMS GROUP e- Recycling Website
Drop Off Address: Call to find out your closest
Fee: Fees Apply
Details: Will pick up commercial quantities. Accept IT and electronic equipment.
Surplus Remarketers Pty Ltd
- Recycle
- Refurbish
Phone: 0404 909 471
Email: gary@surplusremarketers.com.au
Surplus Remarketers Pty Ltd Website
Drop Off Address: 17 George Street, Granville
Fee: Fees May Apply
Technical Aid to the Disabled
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 02 9912 3400
Email: cls@tadnsw.org.au
Technical Aid to the Disabled Website
Drop Off Address: 10/185 Brines Rd, Northmead
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Working Computers Only, Pentium 3 computer or better. No Apple Macs. No printers.
TES-AMM Australia
- Recycle
- Refurbish
- Reuse
Phone: 1300 730 621
Email: enquiries@tes-amm.com.au
TES-AMM Australia Website
Drop Off Address: Pick ups only
Fee: Commercial quantities may not incur charge
Details: ISO certified global company providing reuse and recycling of all IT equipment. Do NOT accept TV's and Whitegoods
Thiess Services E-Waste Recycling
- Recycle
Phone: 02 4355 4431
Drop Off Address: Amsterdam Circuit, Wyong
Fee: There is a charge attached to this service.
Details: Please call the above number to discuss specific requirements. Acceptable items : Computer monitors, CPU's, keyboards & mouse, computer peripherals Printers, fax machines, DVDs, CDs, photo copiers & scanners
Mobile phones, telephones & telephone switchboards
TV's, electrical & electronic switchgear
Microwaves, faulty leads & cables.
All other electronic equipment
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.
Wesley E Recycling
- Recycle
- Refurbish
Phone: 02 9684 6366
Email: computers@wesleymission.org.au
Wesley E Recycling Website
Drop Off Address: 13 Clyde Street, Rydalmere
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Accept all computers. Accept working printers and scanners only. Call first. Will pick up large quantities from businesses/schools.
Work Ventures Limited
- Refurbish
Phone: 1800 11 22 05
Email: connect.support@workventures.com.au
Fee: No Fees Apply
Details: Only accept bulk computers from corporations. Pentium 4, 1.4 ghz or better. No Macs. Once refurbished sold to Centre Link Recipients for low prices.
WSN
- Recycle
Phone: 1300 651 116
WSN Website
Drop Off Address: Muir Road, Chullora, 2190
Fee: $16.50 per large item (monitors, harddrives, scanners, printers) Small items including mice, keyboards and other accessories are free (limit of 2 small items with every paid item)
Details: Accept all computers and related equipment including monitors, harddrives, keyboards, mice, keyboards, scanners, printers, photocopiers. The service has a 90% resource recovery rate.
Young Christian Workers
- Recycle
- Refurbish
Phone: 02 9682 6719
Email: Alexmijalkovic46@gmail.com
Young Christian Workers Website
Drop Off Address: 25 Union St, Granville
Fee: No fees - Pick up from all parts of Sydney
Details: P3 1000mhz or higher and 17 inch monitors
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.
