e-waste
As Australians increase their reliance on technology, disposing of unwanted electronic and electrical products (e-waste) in an environmentally responsible way is becoming an increasingly important issue.
E-waste is banned from direct disposal to landfill and must not be placed in any household bin. E-waste can contain hazardous materials including heavy metals and glass which if broken or damaged pose an unacceptable environmental hazard. Also, around 90% of what's used to make televisions and computers can be recycled, saving valuable, finite resources. Other e-waste can also be readily recycled.
E-waste can be recycled by householders using a range of mechanisms.
Where to recycle
Televisions, computer and computer peripherals
Householders can recycle televisions, computers and computer peripherals for free at a range of ongoing sites across South Australia. For details of the sites and other e-waste recycling options visit Which Bin or contact your local council. The television and computer industry funds the recycling of materials from these sites under theNational Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, a product stewardship scheme.
Fluorescent lighting
Householders can also recycle fluorescent lighting (eg CFLs). Refer to Which Bin to help find your local store.
Whitegoods
Scrap metal merchants will collect whitegoods for recycling for free in many areas - you may need to use one nominated by your council. Otherwise contact your council about your nearest drop-off options. Visit Which Bin to see local recycling options.
Batteries
Check out Which Bin for your recycling options.
- Normal batteries (dry cell, alkaline, non re-chargeable)
- Rechargeable batteries (nickel/cadmium, mercury, lithium, hearing aid, watch, camera, little button batteries)
- Car batteries (lead acid batteries, lead acid gel) can be disposed of at local metal recyclers, battery retailers, scrap yards, bottle/can depots or hazardous waste depots.
- Mobile phone batteries can be disposed of at most mobile phone retail outlets and Mobile Muster
Other items
Other e-waste is accepted for recycling by many commercial or local transfer stations and recyclers, including some sites that offer free TV and computer recycling. Disposal may be free or involve a fee. Visit Which Bin to see your local recycling options.