Australians dispose of over 100,000 tonnes of computers, computer equipment and televisions each year – that’s around 5kg per person. These products, as well as mobile phones and other household appliances, contain valuable materials including precious metals like gold and platinum, plastics, glass and lead. The good news is that e-waste is more than 95% recyclable.
Mobile phone recycling
Gorillas are on the brink of extinction. They're calling on YOU to help today!
City of Melbourne is supporting Zoos Victoria’s mobile phone recycling program.
One of the biggest threats to gorillas is the illegal mining of coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones. Recycling reduces the demand for coltan mining in gorilla habitat. Donating your old phone can also help to raise vital funds to support the conservation work of the Jane Goodall Institute and Zoos Victoria.
Recycling your old phone has never been so easy. Call City of Melbourne on 9658 9658 or complete your details in the online form and we will send you a pre-paid satchel for you to use to donate your phone.
For more information visit www.zoo.org.au/Calling_on_You
Other e-waste recycling
- If your items are still in working order you might be able to find a new home for them. For more information, visit reuse.
- Computers and computer equipment can be dropped off for recycling at a number of locations through the state government’s Byteback program.
- Mobile phones can be recycled at most mobile phone shops and a variety of other locations. Visit Mobile Muster to find your nearest drop off location.
- Ipods, mobile phones and computers can be recycled through the Apple Recycling Program. For more information visit Apple Recycling.
- Batteries can be recycled through the state government’s BatteryBack program. Batteries can be dropped at Michaels Camera & Video, corner Elizabeth and Lonsdale streets.
- Printer cartridges can be recycled at a range of retail stores under the Cartidges for Planet Ark recycling program. To find your nearest recycling location, visit Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website or call 1800 242 473.
- Phoenix Fridges will collect old fridges in any condition. They repair and retrofit fridges to make them more energy efficient and decommissions fridges that are no longer useful. Visit their website or call 1300 366 283 to book a collection.
- Search for other options to recycle computers and electronic equipment on Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website.
Computer recycling through the Byteback program
The state-wide Byteback program is a partnership between Sustainability Victoria, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and a number of computer industry companies: Apple, Canon, Dell, Epson, Fujitsu, Fuji-Xerox, HP, IBM, Lenovo, and Lexmark.
The program is a free service that allows the general public and small businesses to drop off computers, monitors and computer equipment to designated drop-off locations across the state. They do not accept televisions.
The nearest Byteback drop-off locations to the City of Melbourne are:
- Boroondara Transfer Station, 648 Riversdale Road, Camberwell (Melway ref. 60 B1)
- Moonee Valley Waste Transfer Station, 188 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds (Melway ref. 28 D6)
For more information, visit Byteback.
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