National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme
Frequently asked questions
General questions about the scheme
What is the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme (the scheme)?
It is the proposed product stewardship scheme, led and funded by the television and computer industry, which will enable the community to recycle end-of-life televisions, computers and computer products (such as printers, keyboards, mice and hard drives) free of charge through designated access points.
The scheme is part of the Australian Government's long-term National Waste Policy: Less waste, more resources.
It will be supported by the Product Stewardship legislation.
What does end-of-life mean?
'End-of-life' is the point at which a product is considered to be of no further use, such as when a product is broken beyond repair.
What is product stewardship?
Product stewardship means that all those involved in producing, selling, using and disposing of products have a shared responsibility to ensure sound management of those products. In this context, 'sound management' means management to reduce the impact of a product or material, throughout its life cycle, on the environment and on human health and safety.
What are the objectives of the scheme?
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- reduce the amount of television and computer waste (particularly hazardous waste materials) for disposal to landfill;
- increase recovery of resources from end-of-life television and computer products in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner; and
- ensure national coverage and fair and equitable industry participation in the scheme.
Under the scheme 80 per cent of waste televisions computers and computer products are expected to be recycled by 2021.
Why are we targeting television and computer waste?
Electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), including televisions and computers, is growing three times faster than any other type of waste. Televisions and computers make a significant contribution to the waste stream. In 2007-08, 106,000 tonnes of televisions and computers (16.8 million units) reached their end of life. It is estimated that 84 per cent (by weight) were sent to landfill, with only 10 per cent (by weight) being recycled. This places a burden on states and territories, local government, charitable recyclers and social enterprises for end of life management of these products.
Television and computer waste has increased partly because products have shorter life spans and purchase prices have dropped, making them more affordable for more people. In 2007/08 31.7 million televisions, computers and computer products were imported into Australia, and by 2009 the number of these products imported had increased to 40.3 million. The surge in television and computer ownership will increase the number reaching their end of life over the coming years.
The high rate of these products going to landfill poses a number of problems for Australia, including loss of non-renewable resources and risks to human health and the environment because of the hazardous substances that these products contain.
Televisions and computers contain hazardous materials, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which need to be managed in a safe manner. Recyclable materials that can be recovered from televisions and computers include glass and plastics, iron, steel, aluminium and copper, and precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver. Sending these products to landfill means the resources they contain are lost.
How will legislation support the scheme?
The legislation will ensure that importers and local manufacturers of televisions and computers contribute to the collection and recycling of these products at the end of their useful lives. It will also provide an assurance to the community that the scheme will be effectively monitored for performance and recycling outcomes.
How much will consumers have to pay?
There is no cost to consumers. Under the scheme, consumers will be able to drop off their unwanted televisions or computers at a designated access point free of charge.
What television and computer products are covered by the scheme?
Televisions, computers and computer products (such as printers, keyboards, mice and hard drives) can be recycled through the scheme.
The scheme will recycle any brand of television, computer or computer peripheral, no matter how old they are.
When will the television and computer recycling scheme become available? The scheme is expected to be phased in from late 2011, with a progressive national roll-out taking place over five years.
Detailed information about access arrangements will be published on this department's website as it becomes available.
Where can I find more information?
To find out more information about the scheme contact: ewaste@environment.gov.au.
If you wish to receive updates about the scheme you can subscribe to the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme E-bulletin .
Latest news
National product stewardship legislation
Product Stewardship Bill
The Product Stewardship Bill 2011 was passed by Parliament on 22 June 2011
Find out more
Subscribe
Television and Computer Scheme E-bulletin
