E-Waste Recycling

diverting E-Waste from landfill
e-Waste recycling is the responsible processing of electronic devices such as computers, tablets, hard drives, mobile phones and printers – once they have reached the end of their ‘useful’ life.
It is important to employ a secure disposal solution for redundant and unused equipment, as storage of data-holding electronic items can place businesses and government agencies at risk of a data leak. The Shred-X range of e-Waste and IT asset destruction solutions are designed primarily to protect your confidential information. However, one of the value-added benefits of partnering with Shred-X is the positive impact on the environment through our e-Waste recycling services. Once all data on your unwanted items has been securely and certifiably removed, we work with Australian recyclers to divert the toxic materials associated with e-Waste from landfill.
Shred-X is proud to hold SERI R2 Certification, meeting the requirements of The Sustainable Electronics Reuse & Recycling (R2) Standard v3.
R2v3 is the most widely adopted sustainability standard for the reuse and recycling of used electronics worldwide.
Our e-waste recycling solutions are undertaken in the most ethical and environmentally responsible manner, to suit the most stringent sustainability targets and help businesses close the loop within the circular economy.
Benefits of Recycling
Shred-X is committed to landfill diversion wherever and whenever possible, with our e-Waste recycling scheme being designed specifically for sustainability. We partner with professional, Australian recyclers and resource recovery centres to recycle e-Waste components and materials into useful commodities and new product parts. Many electronic devices contain trace amounts of precious metals such as lead, copper, aluminium, gold, and titanium. As these elements are becoming increasingly finite resources, isolating and removing them from old electronics is a sustainable way to support the construction of new technology.
IT assets which are not responsibly recycled not only pose a risk for the data stored, but can leak hazardous substances and toxic chemicals into the environment with devastating effects on human and animal health.
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e-Waste Recycling Related Solutions
*Shred-X facilities do not dispose of electrical products such as: small household appliances, large household appliances, white goods like power tools, washing machines or vacuum cleaners.
Electronics Recycling Australia-Wide
At Shred-X, we are proud to deliver secure e-waste recycling services to every state and territory in Australia. We operate in:
e-Waste Recycling Brisbane and South East Queensland
e-Waste Recycling Townsville and North Queensland
e-Waste Recycling Sydney and New South Wales
e-Waste Recycling Melbourne and Victoria
e-Waste Recycling Perth and Western Australia
e-Waste Recycling Canberra and the ACT
e-Waste Recycling Adelaide and South Australia
e-Waste Recycling Darwin and the Northern Territory
e-Waste Recycling Hobart and Tasmania
E-Waste Recycling FAQs
How does e-waste affect the environment?
e-Waste is currently making an astonishing environmental impact. All over the world, electronic waste is growing at three times the rate of any other waste stream. Desktop computers, laptops,, mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices are composed of raw materials such as mercury, nickel, lead and zinc which, if improperly disposed of (in landfill) release toxins into the air, into the soil, and local waterways. These hazardous materials have serious effects (including neurological, digestive and respiratory problems) on the local community and wildlife.
WHAT IS THE LEGISLATION AROUND E-WASTE AND RECYCLING IN AUSTRALIA?
While just throwing unwanted electronics into the general waste bin for regular rubbish removal may seem like an easy disposal method, there is actually stringent legislation around secure, responsible electronic waste disposal.
On 1 July 2019 the Victorian Government banned all e-Waste from going into landfills, with other states quickly following suit. Accompanying this change in legislation, the definition for e-Waste was updated to include anything with a power cord, plug, or a battery.
Along with environmentally protective legislation around electronic recycling, there are also stern privacy laws in place regarding the steps institutions take to destroy all residual data before they dispose of or recycle electronics. For instance, should these electronic devices be recovered and data restored, your business will be at risk of breaching Australian and international privacy and data security laws (such as the Australian Privacy Act and the GDPR).
Where can I safely dispose of e-Waste?
If you have commercial quantities of old electronic equipment that you need to dispose of, find your local Shred-X e-Waste destruction and e-Waste/computer recycling facility, contact us online or phone 1300 710 939 to discuss your e-Waste disposal needs.
How do I recycle e-Waste?
Electronic products, computer equipment, computer accessories and IT equipment disposed of in a general rubbish bin, recycling bin or kerbside recycling containers will most likely end up in landfill. e-Waste collection and e-Waste recycling options are gradually becoming more prevalent throughout Australia, especially since the introduction of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme in 2011 by the Australian Government.
However, it is important to note that not all waste collection, junk removal services or e-Waste recyclers offer a secure destruction service, i.e. 100% removal of all personal identifiable information contained on e-Waste items before they are recycled.
Before running off to nearby drop off points, be sure to check with your local council or recycling service provider whether secure removal of confidential data is a service they guarantee. If data stored on an old device such as a mobile phone is found, your business will be at risk of breaching data privacy laws.
The fastest, safest and easiest solution to recycling electronic waste is to employ a fully accredited e-Waste service, through a professional such as Shred-X. With our NAID AAA Certification you will not only be ‘doing your bit’ for the environment, but we will ensure all data stored on your electronic devices and computer products will be securely destroyed. Find out more about Shred-X’s e-Waste recycling services.
What can e-waste be recycled into?
Shred-X partners with professional e-Waste recyclers which recycle mobile phones, personal computers, monitors, laptops and other e-Waste components and materials into useful commodities and new product parts.
For example, many electronic devices such as laptop computers contain trace amounts of precious metals such as lead, copper, aluminium, gold, and titanium. As these elements are becoming increasingly scarce, isolating and removing them from old electronics is a sustainable way to support the construction of new devices. Even the plastic products and glass in IT devices can be reused in this way.
Read more about which devices can be repurposed.
How do I securely dispose of e-Waste?
When you upgrade your technology and are ready to securely and ethically dispose of your e-Waste, call your local Shred-X facility on 1300 747 339. We can arrange on-site or facility-based destruction, and then work with our recycling partners to recycle or repurpose your assets to meet both legal and environmental sustainability requirements. Get in touch with a friendly member of our team online to find out more about our collection services.
What percentage of e-Waste can be recycled?
Almost 100% of electronic devices can be recycled properly if done so through the correct channels. Nearly every electronic device or appliance your business uses contains materials that can be recycled into new product components.
The more concerning percentage is how little e-Waste actually gets recycled. The UN estimates that only 12.5% of the 20-50 million tonnes of electronic waste worldwide is recycled, with the rest ending up as hazardous waste in landfill or cluttering up our homes and offices.