How to Recycle or Safely Dispose of Old Devices in Australia

Most of us have a drawer with an old phone or two, perhaps a tablet and a tangle of chargers. They shouldn’t go in the rubbish, both because they contain materials worth recovering and because they hold your personal information. In much of Australia, putting e-waste in the household bin is no longer allowed in any case. The reassuring part is that recycling old devices properly is free and easy.

There’s one important step before you hand anything over: clearing your data. Here’s how to do that, where to take your old devices, and what the rules are where you live. If you are helping an older parent get online, see our wider guide to helping a parent go online.

Step one: clear your personal data

This is the step people forget, and it matters most. An old phone or tablet can still hold your photos, emails, banking apps and contacts. Before it leaves your hands, wipe it clean.

On a phone or tablet

Sign out of your accounts first, then choose the factory reset option, usually found in Settings under General or System, labelled something like Reset or Erase All Content. On an iPhone or iPad, also turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account first. This returns the device to how it was when new, with your information gone.

On a computer or laptop

Save anything you want to keep first, then run the reset option, called Reset This PC on Windows or Erase All Content and Settings on a Mac. If you’re not sure how, a family member or a shop like Officeworks can do it for you. Don’t skip it.

Step two: where to take it

TechCollect, for computers and tablets

TechCollect is Australia’s main not-for-profit e-waste scheme, backed by the computer and television industry, and it’s free. It accepts computers, laptops, tablets, computer accessories, keyboards, mice and cables at drop-off points around the country, including many councils and selected Officeworks stores. Some sites take televisions too, but space is limited, so it’s worth a quick phone call to the store first. Check the TechCollect website at techcollect.com.au to find your nearest drop-off.

MobileMuster, for mobile phones

For mobile phones and their chargers, cables and cases, MobileMuster is the free, government-accredited recycling programme run by the mobile phone industry. You’ll find collection boxes at Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi and most phone shops, and at many councils and Australia Post outlets. It takes old phones whether they work or not, so even a dead handset is welcome. Their website at mobilemuster.com.au lists every drop-off point.

B-cycle, for loose batteries

The small batteries from remotes, hearing aids, torches and toys should never go in the bin, where they can start fires in rubbish trucks. B-cycle is Australia’s official battery recycling scheme, and its bins are free to use. You’ll find them just inside the door at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings and Officeworks. Pop a piece of sticky tape over the ends of each battery before you drop them in, which keeps them safe in the meantime.

Your local council, for televisions and the rest

Many councils run e-waste collection points, transfer stations or special drop-off days, and these can take the bigger items, such as televisions, monitors and printers. A quick look at your council’s website, or a phone call, will tell you what’s available near you. The free Recycling Near You service at recyclingnearyou.com.au is another easy way to find your closest option by postcode.

If you’re clearing out because you’ve upgraded, our guide on the best smartphones for seniors may help with the new one. And a device in good working order might suit a family member rather than the recycling bin, once it’s wiped.