2015
FACT SHEET
Download
This fact sheet provides local government with important information about the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
What is the role of local government?
Local government is often the first point of contact for householders and small businesses who want to recycle computers and televisions.
The scheme is intended to supplement and build on state, territory and local government e-waste management. E-waste management activities outside the scheme are still needed to meet public demand, and it is important that local councils budget appropriately for e-waste management.
Not all councils will have agreements with co-regulatory arrangements to provide industry-funded collection and recycling services to their constituents, and it is important that councils are aware that scheme services can run without council involvement and deliver benefits to local communities.
Councils working under the scheme should be aware that co-regulatory arrangements are only responsible for a proportion of e-waste.
The Department encourages local councils to proactively pursue discussions with co-regulatory arrangements. There are opportunities for councils to negotiate, but no guarantees that industry-funded e-waste collection and recycling services will be provided. Councils should consider their operational requirements when negotiating contracts with co-regulatory arrangements. The Australian Government does not have a role in managing contractual disputes. There may also be opportunities for cost-sharing which would enable local governments to co-fund a scheme service in their area.
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 objectives of the scheme are to:
- Reduce waste to landfill, especially the hazardous materials found in e-waste
- Increase recovery of reusable materials in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner
- Provide access to recycling service for households and small businesses Australia wide.
The scheme has responded to high demand from consumers for e-waste recycling services. In 2013-14, more than 1,180 collection services were made available to the public. From 2011, more than 130,000 tonnes of television and computer e-waste has 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.
The scheme has also created employment opportunities within the recycling sector, and assisted local government manage e-waste by providing alternative collection services.
Scheme recycling targets are increasing to better meet public demand. For the 2015-16 financial year, the target will be set at 50 per cent rising to 80 per cent by 2026-27.
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.
The Department sets outcomes and monitors liable party and co-regulatory arrangement compliance with the regulations. Day-to-day operation of the scheme, including contracting service providers, is the responsibility of the co-regulatory arrangements.
The scheme supplements state, territory and local government e-waste management.
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.
Factsheet last updated on 01/07/15