Expanded e-Waste Recycling Trial at Wollongong Community Recycling Centre

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet. Every year, the world generates a staggering 2.6 million tonnes of e-waste, with projections showing this figure will soar to 82 million tonnes by 2030 (UNITAR). This explosive growth of discarded electronics is placing significant pressure on our environment, communities, and local landfills.

What’s even more concerning is that e-waste contains a mix of both hazardous materials and valuable resources. From toxic chemicals to precious metals like gold and copper, the electronics we dispose of hold both risks and rewards. By responsibly recycling these materials, we can reduce our reliance on harmful mining practices, cut down on waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

To tackle this growing challenge, Wollongong City Council is teaming up with a new e-waste recycling partner to trial an expanded e-waste recycling program. This initiative will allow more electronics to be recycled, supporting our community by reducing waste sent to landfills, safely recovering hazardous and valuable materials, and helping boost our local circular economy.

The expanded e-waste recycling trial is an exciting step forward, and we encourage all local residents to participate. By recycling more of our old electronics, we’re not only protecting the environment, but we’re also playing a vital role in the global effort to create a more sustainable future.

Products accepted as a part of the Expanded e-Waste Recycling Trial:

All batteries must be removed and recycled separately*.

• Televisions
• Mobile Phones
• Desktop computers & laptops (including notebooks)
• CPUs & motherboards
• Hard drives & solid-state drives (internal/external)
• CD/DVD drives, including burners
• Power supplies & electrical transformers
• Computer cables (USB, HDMI, power, etc.)
• Docking stations, keyboards & mice
• Web cameras, projectors
• Desktop computer speakers
• Internal computer parts (RAM, graphics cards, etc.)
• Computer monitors (LCD, LED, CRT)
• Printers, photocopiers, and scanners (home/small office scale only)
• Modems & routers, network switches
• External computer peripherals (USB hubs, external drives)
• Kettles, toasters, blenders, juicers
• Hair dryers, straighteners, electric shavers
• Heaters, fans, electric blankets
• Coffee machines, rice cookers, air fryers
• Irons, electric toothbrushes, bathroom scales
• Vacuum Cleaners
• Drills, Sanders and Grinders
• Paper Shredders, calculators, laminators
• Electronic toys (e.g. VTech, remote-control cars)
• Smartwatches, fitness trackers
• Baby monitors, novelty lamps, night lights
• Remote controls, joysticks, game controllers (standalone)
• Radios, alarm clocks, digital photo frames
• Gaming Consoles

Not Accepted E-Waste:

• Lamps and light fittings
• Battery operated toys
• Oil heaters (can be recycled as scrap metal if oil is removed and recycled separately)