Electrical appliances such as DVD players, facsimile machines, telephones, alarm clocks, cameras and radios become electronic waste or e-waste when thrown away, which is a growing problem worldwide.
At this stage, Australia does not have a national recycling scheme for electrical appliances as a whole. There are, however, recycling schemes TVs and computers, mobile phones, printer cartridges, and batteries.
Some recycling companies will accept other electrical products for recycling. Call the recycler in advance to check if they will accept the product you want to recycle.
How to recycle Electrical Appliances at work
There are some recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of electrical appliances. To find a commercial electrical appliance recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au.
Why recycle Electrical Appliances?
Electrical appliances are made up of a broad range of materials including precious metals (such as gold and platinum), toxic heavy metals, metal circuitry, mixed plastics, fire retardants and glass. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic as well as flame-retardants can cause environmental contamination through leaching from e-waste in landfill into water systems. By recycling, this contamination can be avoided and useful resources can be conserved, as up to 95% of materials can be recovered for reuse.
The Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Victoria have banned electronic products from landfill. If you cannot find a recycler in your area through the directory, contact your local council to find out how to dispose of your electrial products.
Recycling options for Electrical Appliances
Some companies operate take-back schemes for their electrical products. The costs of these systems are generally built into the price of the product and provide a convenient avenue for electrical appliance recycling.
There are a number of recycling companies that offer e-waste recycling services as well as organisations that recycle, refurbish or reuse electrical appliances and accessories. Storage King has an e-waste box which can be purchased for a small price.
There are also a number of recycling and safe disposal programs accepting batteries of all types. Please visit the battery category for more information.
What happens when Electrical Appliances are recycled?
Electrical appliances are dismantled and the different components are sorted. Many of the materials, including glass, copper, plastics, metals and precious metals, are recovered for further processing and eventual use in the manufacture of new products.
Last updated: 20 September 2022
E-waste (electronic waste) is growing 3 times faster than any other waste stream. E-waste contains potentially hazardous and valuable materials, which don‘t belong in landfill.
To help protect our environment and recover more precious resources, the Victorian Government has banned all e-waste from landfill as of 1 July 2019. That means e-waste can’t go in any household bin.
E-waste drop-off points
E-waste should not be put in your rubbish or recycling bin.
Take e-waste to a drop-off point. To find your closest e-waste drop-off point, use the Recycling Near You directory.
When there are no e-waste drop-off points near you
If there are currently no drop-off points near you, or you have a different electronic item to get rid of:
- check your local council's website for other disposal options in your area
- pass it onto your friends, family or sell second hand, if it’s still working
- have it collected from your home through eMeals.
Where to take common e-waste items
Mobile phones
MobileMuster is a free, not-for-profit mobile phone recycling program that accepts all brands and types of mobile phones, plus their batteries, chargers and accessories.
Dropping items off is free but don't forget to properly remove your personal data.
Smoke detectors
Domestic smoke alarms are not included in the e-waste ban and can be disposed of in your rubbish bin.
What is e-waste?
E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working or wanted. It covers a whole range of items from phones and refrigerators to fluorescent light tubes.
E-waste can include:
Electrical and electronic tools
- Batteries
- Drills
- Lawn mowers
- Saws
- Sewing machines
IT, telecommunications and TV equipment
- Computers
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- Printers
- Remote controls
- Televisions
Home appliances (large)
- Air conditioners
- Cookers
- Electric fans
- Microwaves
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
Home appliances (small)
- Coffee machines
- Hair dryers
- Irons
- Toasters
- Watches
Lighting equipment
- Compact fluorescent lamps
- Discharge lamps
- Fluorescent lamps
- High-intensity LEDs
Other items
- Automatic dispensers
- Medical devices
- Printer cartridges
- Thermostats
Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- Amplifiers
- Consoles
- Hand-held video games
- Musical instruments
- Radios
- Toys like electric trains and racing cars
Minimise your e-waste
E-waste is the world’s fastest growing waste stream. Minimising e-waste helps protect the environment.
Tips to minimise e-waste