Electronic waste recycling

Take advantage of council's free e-waste recycling program.

The term 'e-waste' refers to all old computers, computer related products and televisions that no longer work or are obsolete (television and computer waste only). Examples of e-waste include printers, televisions, scanners, video game consoles, computers, laptops and monitors, multi-function devices and computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse, disc drives, web cameras, game pads, electrical transformers or motherboards). These items can be disposed of at any council waste facility free of charge to be recycled.

Recyclable materials

E-waste contains recyclable materials. These materials commonly include, but are not limited to:

  • glass
  • plastics
  • metals and alloys such as iron, steel, aluminium and copper
  • precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver.

E-waste stewardship and responsibility for collection and recycling was established by the federal government under the Product Stewardship Act 2011. With this program valuable materials are recycled and waste to landfill is reduced.

Council's transfer stations will also accept, the non-e-waste items listed below from householders and small businesses.

Non-e-waste items are accepted for disposal as general waste (waste disposal charges may apply) or for recycling (free of charge). These include (please note that these items cannot be disposed of in yellow lid recyclables bins):

  • white goods
  • kitchen appliances
  • microwaves
  • vacuum cleaners
  • alarm clocks
  • hairdryers.

Mobile phones and accessories

Mobile phones (with the battery) are now accepted for recycling free of charge at all Sunshine Coast Council waste facilities and public libraries when placed in the mobile muster bins and boxes. Mobile phones contain recyclable materials such as glass, metal and plastic. Refer to mobile phone recycling. Sunshine Coast Council is a participant in 'mobile muster' and further information can be found on the MobileMuster website.

Product stewardship

For more information visit the Department of the Environment.