Electronic Waste
It is important to recycle the materials used in electronic goods. The recycling process creates jobs in South Australia and reduces landfill. Electronic waste (e-waste) has been banned from landfill since 2013.
What is e-waste?
E-waste is any electrical item with a cord, battery or switch that is broken, unrepairable or no longer useful.
E-waste includes numerous items that are commonly used by households, such as:
- televisions
- computers
- laptops
- printers
- printer cartridges
- MP3 players
- microwaves
- hairdryers
- food processors
- drills
- watches
- electronic kids' toys
- kitchen appliances
- whitegoods (fridges and washing machines)
- cabling
- gaming devices
- monitors
- computer peripherals (mice, keyboards, modems, network devices)
- light globes
- fax machines
- cameras (digital and video)
- scanners
- stereo equipment
- DVD and video players (including CDs, VHS and cassette tapes).
Where to drop e-waste
There are now numerous sites where e-waste can be dropped off around Adelaide, usually free of charge. Most sites have limited hours (most sites are only available during business hours). Additionally, some sites have limits on what can be dropped off. It is essential to call the site before delivering your e-waste, to check on charges, opening hours, and what you can drop off.
To find an e-waste site, visit the following websites:
Batteries
Through B-cycle you can recycle your household batteries for free at over 200 selected retailers. Visit https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/ and search your suburb for your nearest drop off location. For further information on battery recycling visit the batteries webpage.
Mobile Phones
Two mobile phone disposal options are available at the Burnside Civic Centre. See the staff at the customer service desk for advice on where to deposit them.
Phones can be dropped off for recycling through Mobile Muster. For furthering information on the recycling process visit the Mobile Muster website: https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/.
Alternatively, you can donate your phone for reuse through DV Safe Phones who give free mobile phones to domestic violence survivors in Australia. Visit https://dvsafephone.org/donate-phones for instructions on how to prepare your phone prior to donating it.
Whitegoods
Whitegoods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines can be recycled by suppliers of new products. If you are buying new whitegoods, check with the retailer and see if they will collect any whitegoods you are replacing. Whitegoods can be booked in for hard waste collection. Alternatively, these items may be dropped to a resource transfer station, or picked up by a waste collection service, such as:
- Cleanaway Welland Waste & Recycling Depot: 158 Frederick St, Welland. Some items may be free to drop off – check open hours and potential fees with the operator: (08) 8340 2200
- Metro Waste: 19/25 Murray St, Thebarton. Some items may be free to drop off – check open hours and potential fees with the operator: (08) 8443 8827
- Distribution360 provide a pick-up service (fees apply), phone (08) 8280 8700 or visit their website for further details.
Need further assistance?
Please call 8366 4200 or email Council if you are a resident and need assistance finding a location to deliver your e-waste.
The Council does offer a limited e-waste service, on the fourth Monday of each month (except public holidays), between 8:00 am and 11:30 am, with the following requirements:
- Deposit your e-waste in the storage cage that will be placed in the car park immediately outside the gate of the Council Depot.
- Location: Council Depot, 528 Glynburn Road, Burnside. Cars must be parked outside the Council Depot.
- Upcoming dates: Monday 26 February, Monday 25 March, Monday 22 April.
Please note that not all e-waste items can be accepted through Councils Depot drop off.
- Items accepted: e-waste items that can be carried by one person (no fridges or large items).
- Items NOT accepted:
- No batteries (see 'Batteries' section above)
- No light globes (these are typically accepted by Mitre 10, Banner Hardware and Ikea stores; some lighting retailers also accept globes) Light globes a
- No CDs, DVDs or video cassette tapes (there are not currently recycling options available)
- This service is monitored by CCTV.