Electronic Waste Recycling

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is any electrical item with a cord, battery or switch that is broken, unrepairable or no longer useful.

E-waste includes items such as televisions, computers, phones, kitchen appliances, hair dryers, vacuums, stereo equipment and more.

E-waste cannot be placed in any kerbside bin.

This is for several reasons, including fire risks, particularly for items with lithium-ion batteries. It cannot be recycled through the Council bin collection and is classified as contamination. Contamination increases the costs of managing waste. Lastly, it is banned from landfill as it contains hazardous materials, including heavy metals such as lithium and lead.

You can recycle e-waste through drop off locations.

There are now numerous sites where e-waste can be dropped off around Adelaide, usually free of charge. It is recommended to call the site before delivering your e-waste, to check on charges, opening hours, and what you can drop off. Below is a list of some e-waste sites:

• Electronic Recycling Australia Unplug N’ Drop

o Rotary Club, St Peters. Opening hours: Saturday 8.30 am - 12.30 pm. Accept small to medium items.

o Some Bunnings such as Edwardstown and Windsor Gardens. Accept small to medium e-waste, excluding batteries.

o For more locations, visit: www.electronicrecyclingaustralia.com.au

• TechCollect

o Officeworks at Keswick and Trinity Gardens. Accept all televisions, PCs, laptops, tablets, printers and computer accessories.

o For more locations, visit: www.techcollect.com.au

• Campbelltown Waste Depot, 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown. Opening hours:

Monday - Friday 8 am – 3 pm. Accept televisions, computers, and printers, along with some hazardous waste.

• City of Burnside Depot, 528 Glynburn Road, Burnside. Storage cage is placed in car park immediately outside of the gate. Opening hours: the fourth Monday of each month (except public holidays), between 8 am and 11.30 am.

Batteries can be recycled for free at over 200 selected retailers, such as Foodland, Drakes, ALDI, Coles and Woolworths. Visit www.bcycle.com.au/drop-off and search your suburb for your nearest drop off location.

It is important to recycle e-waste to ensure waste management costs are reduced and the value of resources are maximised. The recycling process also creates jobs in South Australia and reduces landfill.

To find out more about e-waste visit www.burnside.sa.gov.au/e-waste.