Electronic waste or e-waste, which includes computers and accessories, is a growing problem in Australia. Australians are some of the highest users of new technology in the world, purchasing over 2.4 million computers every year. Computers present a good case for recycling because of their large volumes, high toxicity and good resource recovery potential of non-renewable resources like tin, nickel, zinc and copper.
Australia now has a free national recycling scheme for computers (and televisions). Under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, every company that makes and/or imports TVs and computers into Australia is required to pay for the end of life recycling of these products.
The largest organisation approved under the national scheme is TechCollect; a not-for-profit e-waste recycling service, representing over 60 of Australia's leading technology importers and manufacturers. TechCollect is committed to setting the standard for responsible e-waste recycling. We are proud to have TechCollect as a supporter of this page.
As well as TechCollect, there are other organisations and programs that recycle, refurbish and reuse computers and accessories in Australia. You can find them by searching on this page.
Find recycling options for other electrical items including TVs, printer cartridges, mobile phones, small electrical appliances, batteries, car batteries, and whitegoods.
Council services for Computers
Hornsby Shire Council has listed the following locations where you can recycle your computers.
Drop off locations for Computers & Accessories
52 drop off businesses match on Computers & Accessories within approx 60km of Hornsby NSW
Click the link for business details and map. Approved businesses are participants in the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Pick up locations for Computers & Accessories
35 pick up businesses match your query on Computers & Accessories
Click the link for business details
| Business Name | Details | Picks up | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Recyclers | Click on name for detail or call 1300594636 | NSW | May apply |
| TSR E-waste | Pick up service for bulk loads only. | NSW | May apply |
| Reverse Garbage - Marrickville | We use a small fleet to collect industrial discards, ov... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| MRI (Aust) Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | Nationally | May apply |
| TES-AMM Australia Pty Ltd | Pick up of commercial quantities only. | Nationally | May apply |
| Buyequip Pty Ltd | Pick-up service is available when identification is pre... | Nationally | May apply |
| PENTAQ Technology Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | 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 |
| Reverse e wasete | Click Business Name for details | NSW | May apply |
| Cooke's Metal Recyclers P/L | Minimum of 2.5 tonnes for pick up. Smaller quantities c... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | Free |
| Waste Management Australia | Click Business Name for details | NSW | May apply |
| Save Parts - Nature's Mix | Pickups must be in a clean state, wet items will not be... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Recycling Solutions | We accept product delivered on pallets. We can provid... | NSW | May apply |
| Reverse E-Waste | Commercial - Sydney local - min 1/2 pallet Commercial ... | Nationally | May apply |
| Redback Scrapmetal | Free collection in the Penrith area of the following ap... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | Free |
| Computer Source Australia Pty.Ltd. | We offer a national pick up service. The cost is depend... | Nationally (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| J.J. Richards & Sons Pty Ltd | Commercial quantities only outside of metro areas. | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| J.J. Richards & Sons Pty Ltd | Commercial quantities only outside of metro areas. | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Shred-X Document Destruction & Australian Paper Recycling | Services available from a "One Off" collection through ... | Nationally | May apply |
| M.A.G Recycling Services Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | NSW | May apply |
| Computers for Young and Old | Offer a pickup service to anyone wishing to make a dona... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | Free |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Sims Metal Management | Please call 1800 727 276 or 9774 8700 for more informat... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Dennis Maddock Recycling | I charge a fee of $10 to cover my costs. | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Loumbos Pty Ltd | Click Business Name for details | NSW | May apply |
| The Scrap Metal Man | All past present and future customers are welcome to bo... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| eCycleCorp Pty Ltd | Bulk quantities | Nationally | May apply |
| Sydneyhelpdesk | Click Business Name for details | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| ANZ Asset Managment | Bookings are essential for pick-up. Please provide ph... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Phillips Skip Bins Pty Ltd | We offer SAME DAY Delivery / Changeover, 6 days a week ... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | May apply |
| Wagga Scrap Metals | Bulk Quantities only Please ring for further informati... | NSW (Metro Area Only) | Free |
How to recycle Computers at work
There are some recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of computers. To find a commercial computer recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au.
About Computers in Australia
Every year Australians purchase millions of computers and related components to replace equipment superseded by faster and more powerful technologies. In 2007/08 an estimated 16.8 million computers and televisions reached the end of their useful life in Australia. In 2027/28, this figure is predicted to reach 44 million.
Why recycle Computers?
- Older style cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors contain high levels of toxic materials that need to be disposed of responsibly.
- When disposed to landfill, the materials and chemical components used to make computer equipment such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic can leach into and harm our environment.
What happens when Computers are recycled?
Computers and accessories that are in working order can often be refurbished with new software and some replacement parts. These repackaged computers are generally made available to low-income communities, individuals and community organisations. Electronic waste that is collected for recycling generally undergoes a manual dismantling process. The individual materials such as printed circuit boards, cabling, glass and plastics are recovered and then processed so that they can be used as raw materials to produce new products.
More information
Australia is currently rolling out a new 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.
