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Everything you need to know about recycling computers
Computers & Accessories includes:
Chromebook
Keyboards
Laptops
Monitors
Printers
Scanners
Webcams
Motherboards
Video cards
Computer mouse
Computer mice
Memory cards
Hard drives
FIND A RECYCLER
Learn more about reusing and recycling computers
How to recycle computers
Computers should never be put in recycling or garbage bins at home or work. Instead, they can be recycled through commercial recyclers that accept electrical products. Use the directory on this page to find a recycling service near you.
How to use the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme is an Australian Government accredited product stewardship scheme that was created to help deal with the huge amount of electrical waste Australians generate each year. Under the scheme, every company that makes and/or imports computers into Australia is required to pay for the end-of-life recycling of these products.
Recycling small quantities
Businesses with a small number of computers and computer accessories to recycle can use this scheme for free by dropping off the items at their closest collection point (only small quantities will be accepted – call in advance for details). Use the directory on this page to find a recycling point near you.
Recycling large quantities
Businesses with large quantities of computers and computer accessories to recycle can use the directory on this page to find a recycling service – some services may be free under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, however, many will charge a fee. There are also commercial recycling businesses that accept e-waste that operate outside of the scheme. Always call in advance for details about fees and accepted items.
What items are accepted?
The scheme accepts computer monitors, laptops, keyboards, computer mice, printers, scanners, webcams, computer cables, chargers, televisions, hard drives and motherboards. Some recyclers will also accept modems and routers (check directly before dropping it off).
Why recycle?
Every year Australians purchase millions of computers and related components to replace older equipment. If the older models are sent to landfill, the materials used to make the products are wasted. Many of these materials like tin, nickel, zinc, and copper are non-renewable, finite resources, making them even more important to recover.
Recycling old or broken computers keeps these valuable materials in use for as long as possible, reducing the need to extract new or ‘virgin’ materials from the earth.
It also protects our environment from the hazardous materials found in computers that must be disposed of responsibly. When dumped in landfill, the materials and chemical components used to make computer equipment, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing harm to our environment and human health.
What happens to it?
Computers and computer 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 products that are collected for recycling generally undergo a manual dismantling process. The individual materials such as printed circuit boards, cables, glass and plastics are recovered and then processed so they can be used as raw materials to produce new products.
Donating computers for reuse
If your workplace has computers in good working condition that are no longer needed, consider donating them to a charity that shares them with communities in need. This will ensure the computers are reused, which is a better environmental outcome than recycling as it keeps the materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible.
Here are some charities that accept computer donations:
The Asylum Seeker Centre
The Asylum Seeker Centre in Sydney accepts some kinds of electronic equipment and computer accessories, as long as they are in good working condition. Donations will assist a person seeking asylum to study, look for work, contact family and deal with government agencies and organisations.
The Reconnect Project
The Reconnect Project in Western Sydney is a social enterprise that repairs and refurbishes donated electronic items to be shared with women’s refuges, homelessness agencies, refugee and asylum seeker support services and youth outreach programs. They accept all makes and models of mobile phones and tablets (regardless of their age or condition) and laptops that are less than 10 years old. Items can be mailed in or dropped off at one of their collection sites. They also offer a pick-up service in the Sydney metro area for businesses and workplaces with large quantities.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)
Vinnies in Victoria has launched a volunteer-run program called Green Sparks to give quality electrical goods a second life. Victorians wanting to donate functioning computers can take them to a participating Vinnies during opening hours where they will be tested by trained staff.
E-waste bans
Some states such as South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia have banned electronic products from landfill. If you live in a state with an e-waste to landfill ban, you must dispose of your electronic waste responsibly by finding a recycling or safe disposal service. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you. If you are unable to find a recycler, contact your local council for assistance.
Recycling other e-waste
Batteries
Batteries are hazardous waste items that must be disposed of responsibly. Large quantities can be recycled through commercial recyclers.
Mobile phones
Workplaces may be eligible for a mobile phone collection box through MobileMuster.
Printer cartridges
Workplaces may be eligible for a printer and toner cartridge collection box through
Cartridges 4 Planet Ark.
Televisions
Televisions can be recycled through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in computers?
Computers contain many valuable materials, including metals, glass, fibreglass, batteries, and plastics. If they’re not disposed of correctly, computers can leak hazardous chemicals into landfills and the environment.
Fortunately, many of the materials within a computer can be recovered to be reused or recycled. Therefore, it’s important to always recycle your computers and accessories – use the search bar on this page to locate a recycler near you.
Where can I recycle a computer mouse?
You can recycle a computer mouse by dropping it off at a designated recycling point. Computers and computer accessories should never be put in your recycling bin at home or work.
Australia has a national recycling scheme for computers, computer accessories, and TVs. That means you can drop off your old or used electronics for free at one of the many collection points located around Australia. Businesses and workplaces with large quantities can also use the scheme, however, there may be a fee. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
Can computers be recycled?
Computers and computer accessories should never be put in your recycling bin at home or work. They can, however, be recycled by dropping them off at designated recycling collection points located around Australia or through a commercial recycling service.
Can you recycle computer cables?
You can recycle a computer cables by dropping them off at a designated recycling point. Computers and computer accessories should never be put in your recycling bin at home or work.
Australia has a national recycling scheme for computers, computer accessories, and TVs. That means you can drop off your old or used electronics for free at one of the many collection points located around Australia. Businesses and workplaces with large quantities can also use the scheme, however, there may be a fee. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
How to recycle computer parts
You can recycle computer parts by dropping them off at a designated recycling point. Computers, including their parts and accessories, should never be put in your recycling bin at home or work.
Australia has a national recycling scheme for computers, computer accessories, and TVs. That means you can drop off your old or used electronics for free at one of the many collection points located around Australia. Businesses and workplaces with large quantities can also use the scheme, however, there may be a fee. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
How to recycle computer batteries
You can recycle computer batteries by dropping them off at a designated recycling point. Computers and computer accessories should never be put in your recycling or garbage bin at home or work. Batteries are hazardous waste items that can cause fires. They must be disposed of responsibly by dropping them off at a recycling point or using a commercial recycling service.
Australia has a national recycling scheme for computers (including their batteries), computer accessories, and TVs. That means you can drop off your old or used electronics for free at one of the many collection points located around Australia. Businesses and workplaces with large quantities can also use the scheme, however, there may be a fee. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
How to clear computers before recycling
Before recycling your computer, remember to remove all personal data, including documents, files, and photos.?For guidance on how to remove data from electronics before dropping them off for recycling, visit TechCollect.
Can computer chips be recycled?
Yes – computer chips and other circuit board components can be recycled via specialist programs. The metal components can be recovered and recycled.
Australia has a national recycling scheme for computers (including computer chips), computer accessories, and TVs. That means you can drop off your old or used electronics for free at one of the many collection points located around Australia. Businesses and workplaces with large quantities can also use the scheme, however, there may be a fee. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
How much of a computer can be recycled?
The vast majority of materials in computers can be recycled.? According to Ecycle Solutions, who have public collection points across Australia as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, collected items are recycled into “greater than 90% reuseable materials, which are subsequently utilised to manufacture new products and finished goods.”
Many of the materials within a computer can be reused or recycled including metals, glass, fibreglass, batteries, and plastics. Therefore, be sure to recycle your computers and accessories – use the search bar on this page to find a recycler near you.
What happens to computers when they are recycled?
Computers and computer 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 products that are collected for recycling generally undergo a manual dismantling process. The individual materials such as printed circuit boards, cables, glass, and plastics are recovered and then processed so they can be used as raw materials to make new products.
