Less waste, more resources
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
Information for Householders and Small Business
About the Scheme
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme will provide Australian householders and small business with access to free recycling services for televisions and computers, printers and computer products (such as keyboards, mice and hard drives) regardless of their brand and no matter how old they are. Householders and small business will not be charged to drop off products for recycling at a designated recycling service, which may include a permanent drop-off point, a take-back event or a mail-back option.
The Scheme will boost the recycling rate for television and computer products in Australia from an estimated 17 per cent in 2010 to 30 per cent in 2012-13 and to 80 per cent by 2022. This is important as these products make up an increasing part of the waste stream, contain valuable materials that can be re-used and contain hazardous materials which need to be managed in a safe manner.
The Scheme is funded and run by industry and regulated by the Australian Government under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and the Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations 2011.
Where are recycling services available?
Scheme recycling services are now available in areas of NSW, ACT, SA and Victoria, with announcements of further services expected over the coming months.
Industry arrangements will provide services in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia by the end of 2013. The exact timing and location of services will be determined by industry.
What should be done with my television and computer waste before services are in my area?
In the meantime, there are a number of options (other than landfill) for disposing of end-of-life televisions and computers, including:
- Participating in council run services until the Scheme has gained momentum and is fully rolled out.
- You may want to contact your local council for more information on disposal options in your area.
- Asking second-hand shops or a charity if they will take them (if they're still in working order).
- Passing them on to friends or family.
- Storing items covered by the Scheme (i.e. televisions and computer products) out of the weather until services under the Scheme are available in your area.
- Checking with the manufacturer to see if they offer a recycling program (you may want to check the brand name of your equipment and then visit the manufacturer's website).
- Searching for electronic waste recycling options in your area through the Planet Ark website (recyclingnearyou.com.au/televisions) for services local to you.
- You can also call Planet Ark on 1300 733 712.
Find out more
- Fact sheet - Guide for Householders (PDF - 445KB) | (Word - 3324KB)
- Frequently asked questions - Information for Households and Small Business
- Scheme fact sheets
For more information on the Scheme, please contact ewaste@environment.gov.au and subscribe to the department's Television and Computer Recycling Scheme E-bulletin.
Lastest news & events
Public consultation
Proposed Amendments to the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
- Discussion Paper - comments closed Tuesday 7 May 2013
Co-regulatory Arrangements
- Leading e-waste recycler to boost national TV and computer recycling scheme - media release, 11 April 2013
- Contact details for approved Co-regulatory Arrangements
