Recycling & E-Waste
Millions of electronic devices like televisions, laptops, computers, and mobile phones are discarded in New Zealand every year. In fact, e-waste is the fastest-growing component of the municipal solid waste stream. Electronic waste (e-waste) is growing three times faster than other types of waste with the average Australian generating 20kg of it each per year. If you are unable to repair, repurpose or reuse your products it is important you recycle it safely via an approved recycling program.
Why can't I throw e-waste in the bin?
Putting e-waste into your rubbish bin or any other receptacle destined for landfill is dangerous for the environment. Over 90% of e-waste can be recycled to reclaim precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, tin, copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc and aluminium. Once in landfill toxic chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, barium & lithium, leak into our soil & waterways causing decades of damage.
How can I safely recycle my unwanted IT equipment and parts?
There are multiple recycling programs setup across New Zealand offering safe and easy ways to recycle your unwanted IT equipment, parts, and batteries. Below are a few free recycling programs we recommend:
Noel Leeming
Noel Leeming offers a range of E-waste recycling services at their local stores for computers, tablets, monitors, printers, and accessories. To find out more and to see if your local store accepts the recycling of these items, please click here.
Bunnings
Bunnings offers a nationwide battery recycling across its stores in New Zealand to enable everyone the access to be able to drop off their unwanted batteries, including Lithium Batteries for laptops which are not able to be recycled at most places where general batteries are accepted.
To find out more and to find your local drop-off point please click here.
TechCollect NZ
TechCollect NZ is a not-for-profit organisation established by leading global technology companies committed to supporting the development of a regulated product stewardship scheme for electrical and electronic products in Aotearoa. TechCollect NZ works with a range of collection partners to provide a free collection and recycling service for IT equipment.
To find out more please click here.
To find out more about a sustainable approach to Li-Ion battery disposal in New Zealand, please click here.
