Recycle old computers

National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme 

The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) lets homes and small businesses dispose of their computers, TVs and computer components (keyboards, monitors, mice, etc) at drop-off points in each state and territory, free of charge. The program has been implemented in all states and territories, except the Northern Territory, and is scheduled to be fully rolled out by the end of 2013. For a full list of drop-off points and opening times go to the NTCRS website or Dropzone, which also lists products that can be recycled.

TechCollect is a similar program that was set up by Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform in 2011, which is backed by technology importers and manufacturers. It was approved by the federal government when the NTCRS was introduced and continues to work in conjunction with local councils to provide recycling solutions.

If your state or territory hasn't rolled out the scheme, they are likely to have an environmental department that's responsible for recycling e-waste in conjunction with local councils. While many popular state-based programs, such as Byteback in Victoria, ceased operations once the federal scheme was rolled out, some companies and not-for-profit organisations offer recycling services. See our list of refurbishers and recyclers for more information.

Community programs

Some organisations refurbish computers and offer them to not-for-profit groups, or accept computers for disposal. For example, Planet Ark and Sensis created the Recycling Near You website that lets you search by area or product to find a local recycling centre. Business and government services in your area may also host Planet Ark drop-off bins for printer cartridges. ComputerBank New England is one example of a community-based recycling scheme, with branches in Armidale, Inverell and Uralla. It is a voluntary organisation that recycles old computer equipment and sells small amounts of recovered material to fund running costs. You should also search online or contact your local council for information on community recycling programs, as some services may not be listed on Recycling Near You.

MobileMuster

MobileMuster is a free, industry-backed service that recycles mobile phones, smartphones, phone batteries and accessories. The program operates across Australia at many major retailers and businesses. The website helps you locate your nearest drop-off point, and explains how you can post your old phone, if you can’t make it to one of the locations.

There are no government- or industry-backed recycling schemes for tablet computers, but many manufacturers offer take-back programs - for more see Manufacturer programs, below.

Manufacturer programs

Many computer manufacturers have recycling or take-back schemes in place, but only accept products from their own range. Some require you to deposit your gear at an authorised centre, while others cover the cost of postage or collection from your home. The number of manufacturers that accept products from other brands is increasing, but authorised resellers are not required to honour take-back schemes on the manufacturer's behalf. When you buy a computer, mobile phone or tablet, ask the salesperson if the manufacturer has a take-back or recycling program.

For example, Apple offers a versatile recycling program that accepts products (including computers, phones, tablets and portable music players from any manufacturer) subject to certain conditions. It offers a handful of additional incentives such as free recycling when you purchase a new Apple computer or 10 per cent off the cost of a new iPod if you deposit your old one at an Apple store. Phones and iPods won’t incur a recycling charge, and Apple even covers postage costs if you can’t make it to a store. Other companies offer similar incentives, which you can read about in our list of manufacturer programs below. Some operate independently, while others are run in conjunction with the NTCRS or MobileMuster. 

• Acer
• Asus
• Canon
• Dell
• HP
• Motorola
• Toshiba
• Samsung - S.T.A.R.T. (for business only), Take Back (mobile phones)
• Sony

Green Products Survey

The Greenpeace Green Products Survey asks manufacturers to nominate green products, but not all companies are willing to participate. Of the 21 companies that were asked to submit their greenest products, 18 responded. Apple, Philips and a third unknown company declined the invitation.

The VW-247H-HF monitor by Asus is the greenest product on the list, as it's free from PVC, BFRs, phthalates, antimony and beryllium. In this category, five of the seven monitors submitted were PVC- and BFR-free, compared to one from the previous survey, which shows that manufacturers are making strides in reducing their use of hazardous chemicals. The VW-247H-HF monitor contains two RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) listed chemicals, which illustrates how challenging it is to design truly green products.

The latest survey can be found at Green Products Survey 2011.

EPEAT

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a global consumer resource that rates and compares the environment impact certain computer products have on the environment. The organisation rates products based on a set of environmentally friendly criteria, and determines the greenest of these by issuing bronze, silver or gold medals. Information on EPEAT is available free of charge, and is so well regarded that it’s mandatory for US federal agencies to consult EPEAT when purchasing computer equipment. Participation in EPEAT is voluntary, so the list of manufacturers in the registry may not include the brand you’re considering. You can explore its database at EPEAT.

Sustainable product design