Recycle e-waste
E-waste (electronic waste) is growing 3 times faster than any other waste stream. E-waste contains potentially hazardous and valuable materials, which don‘t belong in landfill.
To help protect our environment and recover more precious resources, the Victorian Government has banned all e-waste from landfill as of 1 July 2019. That means e-waste can’t go in any household bin.
E-waste drop-off points
E-waste should not be put in your rubbish or recycling bin.
Take e-waste to a drop-off point. To find your closest e-waste drop-off point, use the Recycling Near You directory.
When there are no e-waste drop-off points near you
If there are currently no drop-off points near you, or you have a different electronic item to get rid of:
- check your local council's website for other disposal options in your area
- pass it onto your friends, family or sell second hand, if it’s still working
- have it collected from your home through eMeals.
Where to take common e-waste items
Batteries
Household batteries can be recycled at no cost. To find drop-off points, visit the B-cycle website.
For car battery drop-off sites, visit the Car batteries page – Recycling Near You website.
Computers and laptops
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme has designated collection points across Victoria. These are provided by:
Light bulbs
Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs can be disposed of for free at permanent drop-off sites located at most council-operated transfer stations.
Mobile phones
MobileMuster is a free, not-for-profit mobile phone recycling program that accepts all brands and types of mobile phones, plus their batteries, chargers and accessories.
Dropping items off is free but don't forget to properly remove your personal data.
Smoke detectors
Domestic smoke alarms are not included in the e-waste ban and can be disposed of in your rubbish bin.
Whitegoods
Metal from whitegoods can be recycled again and again to make new products, so it's important that they don't end up in landfill. Visit the Whitegoods recycler lookup - Recycling Near You website.
What is e-waste?
E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working or wanted. It covers a whole range of items from phones and refrigerators to fluorescent light tubes.
E-waste can include:
Electrical and electronic tools
- Batteries
- Drills
- Lawn mowers
- Saws
- Sewing machines
IT, telecommunications and TV equipment
- Computers
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- Printers
- Remote controls
- Televisions
Home appliances (large)
- Air conditioners
- Cookers
- Electric fans
- Microwaves
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
Home appliances (small)
- Coffee machines
- Hair dryers
- Irons
- Toasters
- Watches
Lighting equipment
- Compact fluorescent lamps
- Discharge lamps
- Fluorescent lamps
- High-intensity LEDs
Other items
- Automatic dispensers
- Medical devices
- Printer cartridges
- Thermostats
Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- Amplifiers
- Consoles
- Hand-held video games
- Musical instruments
- Radios
- Toys like electric trains and racing cars
Minimise your e-waste
E-waste is the world’s fastest growing waste stream. Minimising e-waste helps protect the environment.
Tips to minimise e-waste
