Recycle your electronic waste (e-waste)
What is e-waste?
Electronic waste or e-waste, is any unwanted item with a plug, battery 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?
From 1 July 2019, all e-waste can be dropped off at Tyabb, Mornington and Rye Resource Recovery Centres.
Visit the Disposal guide to see current items that can be disposed of at the Tyabb, Mornington and Rye Resource Recovery Centres.
Mobile Muster accepts phones, tables, chargers and accessories.
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme provides drop off locations across Australia. Find your closest location at Recycling Near You.
Smaller items such as hair dryers, toasters, drills, mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be disposed of in our Mobile Recycling Trailer.
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.
Fees apply for fridges, freezers and air conditioners.
Download the complete list of all fees and charges at the Resources Recovery Centres and Hoppers.
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.