TechCollect is committed to recycling e-waste responsibly
TechCollect is dedicated to setting the highest Australian standard for responsible recycling. Our focus is equally on:
- keeping e-waste out of landfill
- using recycling methods that are both environmentally friendly and protect the health and safety of workers.
How is TechCollect keeping e-waste out of landfill and recycling responsibly?
Your e-waste goes to one of our recyclers, who operate to sound environmental and workplace health & safety standards, and ensure a high percentage of the material recovered from the e-waste we collect and recycle are used as raw materials in the manufacture of new products.
All recyclers participating in the TechCollect program have undergone the following processes at every site:
- Certification to AS/NZS 5377 – The Australia and New Zealand Standard for e-waste recycling required under the NTCRS
- Certification to ISO 14001 – the international benchmark for environmental management
- Independent Audit – TechCollect employs an independent environmental and health and safety auditor to audit every recycling site that we use.
You can find out more about our Recycling Partners here.
TechCollect meets and often exceeds the government set recycling targets, recycling over 20,000 tonnes in 2019/20.
Why is it important to recycle responsibly?
Computers, computer accessories and TVs contain a complex mix of materials, components and substances. Once dismantled, some of these such as mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, chlorine, bromine and phosphors are classed hazardous.
If we allow our e-waste to go into landfill, over time these toxic substances and materials can leak into the soil and impact the local environment.
The recycling process also includes manual disassembly of products or mechanical shredding and chemical processes to separate materials. These processes can, if poorly managed, release these hazardous substances into the environment and endanger the health of workers.
TechCollect ensures its recycling partners provide training, safety equipment, industrial hygiene programs and robust health, safety and environmental risk management programs to their workers.
Preventing Illegal Export
There are some reports of computers and TVs being sold illegally overseas from Australia. In some cases, so called “working product” is shipped from Australia only to become e-waste in another country because it’s too old for effective use or is of poor quality. This product may then be recycled in conditions that are dangerous to the health of the workers, the local community, and the environment.
To avoid this situation all computers, computer accessories and TVs that we collect are recycled WITHIN Australia and NOT sold as second hand products for re-use.
If your used TV and computer products are still in good working order and current enough to be used effectively in Australia we encourage you to pass them onto a good home such as a family member, friend or charity instead of bringing them to us.
The TV and computer manufacturers who fund TechCollect also have policies in place to maximise reuse opportunities for product returned to them and to minimise waste. TechCollect seeks to recycle products which are truly end-of-life.
