2015
FACT SHEET
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This fact sheet provides information for the community about the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
How can I access the Scheme?
Individuals can contact their local council for information on local e-waste management services, find scheme services listed on Planet Ark’s website at www.recyclingnearyou.com.au, or call Planet Ark on 1300 733 712.
There are no fees for householders or small businesses disposing of e-waste at a scheme collection service.
The careful disposal of e-waste is important because many televisions and computers contain materials which are hazardous to people and the environment. In addition to scheme collection services, there are a number of other ways to safely dispose of unwanted televisions and computers, such as:
- Using non-scheme recycling services such as those provided by some local councils or other providers (a fee may apply)
- 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 them out of the weather until they can be disposed of appropriately.
It is important to remember that there may be penalties in your state or territory for dumping of these products, including near charity bins.
What is the Scheme?
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme was established in 2011 to provide Australian householders and small businesses with access to industry-funded collection and recycling services for televisions and computers.
The scheme has three main objectives that together mean better management of e-waste for everyone’s benefit:
- To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, especially the hazardous materials found in e-waste
- To safely recover more reusable materials from e-waste
- To provide households and small businesses across Australia with access to e-waste recycling.
There has been a high demand for e-waste recycling services from the community. In 2013-14, more than 1,180 collection services were made available to householders and small businesses. Since 2011, more than 130,000 tonnes of television and computer e-waste have been collected and recycled under the scheme. This has diverted hazardous materials away from landfill and enabled the reuse of valuable resources contained in e-waste. From 2015-16, scheme recycling targets are increasing to meet public demand.
The scheme has also created employment opportunities within the recycling sector, and assisted local governments manage e-waste by providing alternative collection services.
How does it work?
Scheme recycling is paid for by companies who import television and computer products or manufacture them in Australia. This is a form of product stewardship where producers take responsibility for the whole lifecycle of their products, from creation to disposal.
The Department of the Environment sets outcomes to be met by the industry and monitors compliance with these outcomes. The scheme supplements state, territory and local government e-waste management, but doesn’t completely replace these activities.
more information
For more information on the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme visit the Department of the Environment website at: www.environment.gov.au/ewaste or contact ewaste@environment.gov.au or call the Product Stewardship Line on 1800 332 783.
Fact sheet last updated on 01/07/15