Recycle your electronic waste (e-waste)
What is e-waste?
Electronic waste or e-waste, is any unwanted item with a plug, battery (removable or embedded) or cord.
Phones, televisions, computers and laptops are the most common types of e-waste, but there are a wide range of items that can be found around the home and at work that is also considered e-waste. Microwaves, toasters, remotes, fluorescent lamps, musical instruments, drills and medical devices are some of the many different types of e-waste.
Where can I take my e-waste?
Tyabb, Mornington and Rye Resource Recovery Centres. All e waste is accepted. Please let the gatehouse staff know if batteries are embedded.
Recovery Stations are situated at our libraries, they take mobiles, cameras and cables.No batteries accepted
We have a mobile pop-up service, our Mobile Recycling Trailer - this takes smaller items (unless batteries are embedded) such as hair dryers, toasters, drills, mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Please remove batteries and take to Resource Recovery centres.
The current location of our Mobile Recycling Trailer can be found here.
Visit the Disposal guide to see current items that can be disposed of at the Tyabb, Mornington and Rye Resource Recovery Centres.
Other services
Find a B-cycle Drop off point - B-cycle at supermarkets and DIY stores. Accepts household, rechargeable (up to 5kg), button and removable batteries (not laptops or phones)
Mobile Muster accepts phones, tables, chargers and accessories.
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme Drop off centres are located at select retailers.
How much will it cost?
SORTED and clearly visible items such as televisions, computers, computer accessories and small electrical items (toasters, kettles, irons, microwaves etc.) can be disposed of FREE of charge.
Larger items may be classed as hard waste (e.g. recliner chair) and fees will apply. Items will be assessed by gatehouse staff.
Limits of 2 per resident apply for fridges, freezers and air conditioners.
Download the complete list of all fees and charges here Resource Recovery Centre fees and charges(PDF, 233KB)
How much of my e-waste can be recycled?
Almost every part of your e-waste can be recycled. For example, old mobile phones can be recycled to make stainless steel goods, new batteries and even plastic fence posts. One hundred thousand phones can recover one kilogram of gold.
What happens to my e-waste?
Once the e-waste is dropped at our Resource Recovery Centres, the e-waste is sorted and transported to a recycling processor.
E-waste is currently taken to either Ewastec, ANZRP or Norstar Steel Recyclers.
Televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, printers and computer peripherals (keyboards, mouses, joysticks, hard drives, memory cards/sticks, web cameras etc.) are included in the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS).
Find out more about what happens to your e-waste and how to protect your data on the Sustainability Victoria website.
Why do we need to recycle e-waste?
It’s good for the environment
E-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, arsenic, phosphor, fluids and refrigerants. If disposed in landfills, (particularly those that do not meet modern standards), or stored inappropriately, these materials can leach into groundwater and soil, or be release into the air, creating long term contamination and human health issues.
Limited resources
A range of non-renewable materials, such as copper, silver, gold, plastic and glass are used in the production of electronic and electrical goods. If landfilled, we will not be able to recover these valuable resources, driving further consumption of raw materials and depletion limited reserves.
Keep it out of landfills
Australians are some of the highest users of technology, and among the largest generators of e-waste in the world. E-waste is growing at a rate three times faster than general municipal waste in Australia. Worldwide, only 20% of e-waste is recycled. The remaining is landfilled, taking up limited landfill space. Keeping e-waste out of landfills will enable us to prolong the use of current landfills, recover precious metals and safely dispose of hazardous materials.