Find a TV and computer recycler near you
In 2011 the Australian Government introduced a national, industry funded, recycling scheme for televisions, computers and computer accessories. The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme prevents old and broken TVs and computers from being sent to landfill by providing the community with recycling services, free of charge. There are even some free services for businesses.
What can I recycle?
Electrical products generally accepted under the scheme include TVs, computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, hard drives, motherboards, fax machines, webcams, keyboards, computer mice, and cables.
However, accepted products may differ depending on the recycler, so it is advisable to check beforehand (either directly or by searching the directory below and selecting the business for details).
How to use the scheme
The scheme aims to provide recycling drop-off points and pick-up services in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia. Use the following links to find a recycler or reuse option near you:
Using the scheme as a business or workplace
If your workplace or business has large quantities of TVs or computers to dispose of, you can organise to have them picked up by a commercial recycler. This may incur a fee. Use the following links to find a recycler near you:
Other recycling options
Sending old computers, their accessories and TVs to landfill is a waste of resources and increases the risk of toxic materials entering the environment. If a scheme service isn’t currently available in your area, there are a range of things you can do with your old electronic equipment:
- Contact your local council to see if there is a recycling option for computers or televisions in your area
- Check the brand name of the equipment and contact the manufacturer to see if they offer a recycling program or take-back scheme
- If the electronics still work, offer them to your friends or family
- Ask second-hand shops or charities if they could make use of working electronics
- Safely store them in a dry place until there is a scheme collection point available
If you've switched to a digital TV, you don't need to throw your analog television away. Most analog televisions (even ones with just a plug for the antenna cable) can still be used if they are connected to a set-top box or digital video recorder (DVR). This may be a less expensive and more environmentally friendly option than replacing and disposing of your analog television.
How does the scheme work?
The scheme is funded and run by industry. Any organisation that imports and/or makes televisions or computers in Australia is required to contribute funds to support the recycling of these products. The funds they contribute are used to deliver recycling services around Australia.
The Australian Government sets recycling targets and parameters for providing recycling services, to be met by approved industry arrangements. State and territories, and through them local governments, retain responsibility for televisions and computers at their end of life beyond these targets.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Reduce waste to landfill, especially the hazardous materials found in electronic waste (e-waste)
- Increase the recovery of reusable materials in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner
- Provide convenient access to recycling services for households and small businesses throughout Australia.
Five organisations are currently approved to deliver recycling services under the scheme. For more information on these organisations, including the types of products they accept for recycling, visit their websites:
- Ecycle Solutions
- Ecocycle Pty Ltd
- TechCollect
- Sustainable Product Stewards Pty Ltd
- The Activ Group Solutions Pty Ltd (Ecoactiv)
For more information on the scheme, including details of how to get involved as a recycler or collection service provider, visit the Department of the Environment.
