Computers
E-waste can contain a broad range of materials including precious metals
(such as gold and platinum), toxic heavy metals, metal circuitry, mixed
plastics, fire retardants and glass. Even though the presence and/or
quantity of these materials and substances is reducing in many consumer
electronic products, their toxicity demands that they be safely recovered,
processed and recycled from e-waste.
The problem is growing significantly in Australia as we have a fast uptake
and turnover of electronic products. Besides recycling computer equipment
you could reuse it by:
- Giving it to a family member or friend;
- Donating it to local schools or charities; or
- Taking your computer to a recycling centre where it will be reconditioned or stripped for reusable or recyclable components and disposed of responsibly.
Reducing electronic waste doesn't just mean recycling old equipment. You can also:
- Extend the life of your computer by buying an upgradeable model, or upgrading components - such as your video card or RAM - before replacing the whole system;
- Consider buying computers and peripherals from refurbishing centres to encourage more computer recycling initiatives; and
- Don't let old computers sit around the house unused. The sooner you recycle it, the more chance it will be useful to someone else.
Remember: Always remove your files from the computer before you dispose of it.
Will WSN Environmental Solutions accept my computers or E-waste?
WSN accepts computers and E-waste, however at present we do not operate a recycling program for these items. Please refer to the current pricing guide for details, or contact Customer Service on 1300 651 116.
What else can I do with my computers or E-waste?
There's no centralised computer recycling program in Australia yet. Several organisations accept used computers, but certain conditions may apply, so phone first before dropping of your old equipment.
Computer manufacturer Dell has a recycling program. Dell Recycling will arrange for pick-up and provide you with a cost for recycling or estimated value of a cash rebate voucher depending on the age and condition of your equipment.
You can recycle desktops, notebooks, monitors, handhelds, printers and peripherals from Dell or other manufacturers. Business customers may also be eligible for volume pricing. To learn more about the program, call the Dell Recycling Line: 1800 456 890 toll-free in Australia.
Reverse Garbage will take old computers, computer parts such as circuit boards, keyboards and power supplies. For information about donating computers go to Reverse Garbage and go to the 'donating materials' section.
Wesley Mission also has an e-recycling program for computers. Contact them through 02 9684 6366 or for more information go to Wesley Mission.
