E-waste recycling in Brisbane

Count the e-products in your home and consider how much your household could save by not buying a new device.

Consider borrowing, hiring, or sharing electronic products by:

• search online for tool libraries near you to borrow power tools and other equipment instead of buying new
• renting or hiring e-products such as televisions, computers and washing machines instead of buying new
• checking if you can borrow gadgets, tools, or other equipment from family, friends or neighbours before buying new products.

Extend the lifespan of your electronic products. Reduce the number of devices ending up as e-waste too soon by decreasing your need for new devices. Resist upgrading by considering alternatives such as getting a pre-paid sim when your phone plan ends. This simple option can extend the life of your phone and save you money on a new phone plan.

Extend the life of e-products by:

• shutting down your devices
• unplugging chargers once devices are charged
• turning off appliances at the wall when they are not in use
• storing products in accordance with instructions
• protecting devices in transit
• servicing and cleaning products regularly.

Shop smart by:

• using the Cloud for storing data, reducing the need for storage devices which can have environmental impacts.
• buying less by avoiding cheap options that won't last long in favour of high quality and versatile products. By buying second-hand, you can often find high quality products at lower prices.
• supporting Australian-made e-products to limit greenhouse gas emissions from imported products. Australian-made products will have more local service and repair outlets.
• buying energy-efficient appliances. They might have a higher upfront purchase price, but their operating costs are often 9-25% lower than conventional models. 
• checking an item’s repairability before purchasing as the cost of repair varies. 
• checking certification labels to look for environmental standards labels. This information can be found through:
  • EPEAT eco-label managed by Global Electronics Council
  • TCO Certified for information technology e-products
  • Energy Rating for readily identifiable label on most whitegoods and household electrical appliances
  • CHOICE, a non-profit organisation that supports Australian consumers to buy smarter.

Repurpose or share working e-products to extend their use by:

• reusing your old mobile phone for playing music and/or navigation
• rehoming e-products you no longer need to family and friends.
• buying second-hand and refurbished working e-products 
• selling working e-products online via buy/sell/swap websites and apps
• trading in your mobile device for credit towards a future purchase
• donating good quality e-products.

Have your e-products repaired by:

• contacting the manufacturer or the purchase store to obtain advice on repair
• visiting a repair cafe for minor repairs and advice
• visiting a computer or mobile phone repairer at your local shopping centre. 

Batteries and vapes can be disposed of at Council's resource recovery centres and some retailers.

Small household appliances

Small household appliances include toasters, kettles, microwaves, cameras, vacuum cleaners, headphones, power tools and smoke alarms. These appliaces can be disposed of at Council's resource recovery centres, selected retailers with a recycling scheme (search online for more information), or via an electronic waste pick-up service.

Large household appliances

Large appliances include dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and ovens. They can be disposed at:

• Council's resource recovery centres (fluorescent tubes and globes)
• selected retailers with a recycling scheme (search online for more information)
• Kingfisher Recycling Centre in Aspley.

Temperature-exchange equipment

Temperature-exchange equipment including fridges, freezers and air conditioning units. They can be disposed at:

• Council's resource recovery centres 
• selected retailers with a recycling scheme (search online for more information)
• Kingfisher Recycling Centre drop-off point in Aspley (most e-waste whitegoods, hot water systems).

Lighting

Lighting including lamps and globes. They can be disposed of via:

• Council's resource recovery centres (fluorescent tubes and globes)
• recycling pick-up services (search online for more information).

Mobile devices

Mobile phones including chargers, accessories and smart watches. They can be disposed at:

• MobileMuster drop-off points at Council's resource recovery centres, Council libraries, large retailers and telecommunication stores. MobileMuster also accepts other electronic waste including modems, routers, landline phones, smart speakers and digital hub displays, wearables and smart watches, tracking tags, and virtual reality headsets. You can also send e-waste for free using a reply-paid satchel from AusPost stores or MobileMuster
• community recycling hubs at Downfall Creek Environment Centre, Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, and Chermside Library.

Televisions and computers

Televisions and computers including desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, hard drives and keyboards. They can be disposed at:

• National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme drop-off points including Council's resource recovery centres and some retailers
• recycling collection services (seach online for more information) 
• recycling drop-off points (search online for more information).