E-waste
What is e-waste?
E-waste (electronic waste) is any electronic equipment or part that is unwanted, not working or nearing the end of its 'useful life'. Common items include:
- Computers
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Televisions
- Gaming consoles
- Printers and copiers
- Batteries
E-waste is NOT allowed in your weekly rubbish collection or in your kerbside clean-up collections.
Why we need to recycle e-waste?
- E-waste isn't actually waste. It contains valuable resources such as copper and silver that can be reused.
- E-waste contains toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and cadmium that can leach into the environment.
- Used batteries tossed in general waste or recycling bins create a fire hazard.
- Australians are among the highest users of technology, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.
How to dispose of batteries safely?
If battery terminals touch, they can spark and catch fire.
To prevent this:
Place leaking or damaged batteries in a clear plastic bag or container and take them to a Community Recycling Centre or a Household Chemical CleanOut event for disposal.
Never take damaged batteries to battery recycling collection points or place in household bins.
Where to recycle e-waste?
Willoughby residents can use these services to dispose of e-waste free of charge:
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Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre
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computers, TVs, small electrical appliances, mobile phones, CDs & DVDs (without packaging), household and lead acid batteries (e.g. car and motorbike batteries), embedded batteries (trial phase) - potentially found in items like bluetooth speakers/headphones, electric toothbrushes and toys, powerpacks, shavers, cordless vacuum cleaners, vapes, e-scooters/bikes, hover boards, smart watches |
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Officeworks
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computers & accessories, mobile phones & accessories, CDs & DVDs including cases, data storage, ink & toner cartridges |
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Kimbriki Recycling & Resource Centre |
computers & accessories, TVs, tablets, mobile phones, printers (without toner/ink cartridges), household and lead acid batteries (e.g. car and motorbike batteries) |
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B-cycle battery drop off points
e.g. Aldi, JB Hi-Fi, Coles, Bunnings
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household batteries |
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Chemical Cleanout Events |
household and lead acid batteries (e.g. car and motorbike batteries)
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Mobile Muster
e.g. Optus, Telstra and Vodafone stores
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mobile phones & accessories
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The Reconnect Project
(Refurbish for people in need)
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mobile phones, laptops and tablets (any age or condition) |
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Apple
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old Apple devices (you may be eligible for a credit towards a new device)
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Dell
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PCs, laptops and computer accessories for households & businesses
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Close the Loop
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cartridges from businesses, schools or retailers
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NOTE: Ensure personal data is erased from personal devices before disposal.