TechCollect, the consumer-facing brand of the Australian and New Zealand Recycling Platform, has revealed its Top 10 Tips for E-Waste Recycling in 2014.

With all analogue TVs now permanently switched off and computer life cycles rapidly diminishing, 2014 is expected to produce a significant amount of obsolete and end-of-life products, which should be recycled instead of left on the footpath.

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Share these tips with interested parties to encourage them to recycle their old products. It is important to remember that regardless of the brand of TV or computer, TechCollect, along with the other approved recyclers, DHL and E-Cycle Solutions, is compelled to recycle all products, not just clients.

Top 10 Recycling Tips

  1. One in/two out: While a lot of e-waste ends up in landfill, a lot more gets stashed in cupboards, garages, spare rooms and shelves around Australia – meaning we have to keep mining our soil rather than recycling all the precious materials accessible above-the-ground in old technology. So, for every new piece of technology you welcome into your home, commit to recycling two unwanted pieces.
  2. Stay data safe: Always wipe important or personal files from your computer before taking it to any e-waste recycling service.
  3. Packaging pollutes: Australians sent about 1.6 million tonnes of packaging to landfill in 2012, or 36 per cent of the approximately 4.4 million tonnes we generated. So, don’t forget to thoughtfully dispose of the cardboard box and any plastic packaging that came with your new purchase.
  4. Mark your calendar: Circle a month, even twice a year, in your family calendar that you’ll round up and dispose of all your household e-waste every year. February is a great time, after everyone’s back from summer holidays and you’re likely to have new technology in the house after the Christmas and New Year period.
  5. Contact your local council to see if they will accept your e-waste.
  6. Reincarnated relics: Over 90 per cent of the raw materials like metals (including precious metals), glass and plastic found in a computer can be recycled or re-used if handled by an approved recycling service. So, your old faithful laptop could be reincarnated as jewellery, outdoor furniture, or in plastic fence posts in its next life if you take it to a collection site.
  7. Take it to your work: Take your inspiration to recycle and reuse to work, that is, not your e-waste! If you’re part of a small business, like just over 50 per cent of workers in Australia, then consider how you can influence e-waste recycling in your workplace.
  8. Tied up in knots: Those random power cables from your old TV, computer, printer or accessory can also be recycled, even if they’re all knotted up in a drawer and you don’t know which cable belongs to which device. Bring it with you and thanks to recycling something beautiful could be made out of it!
  9. Pay it forward: If your computer or TV is still in good working condition, give it to a family member or friend.
  10. Encourage your friends and family to get involved and take responsibility for their e-waste. Lead by example and help out those that may need it, collect your grandparents’ or parents’ e-waste and make sure it is recycled responsibly.

These are all great tips by the team at TechCollect. Those interested in finding out more and locating their nearest collection point can use the following resources:

TechCollect locations
DHL Drop Zones
E-Cycle Solutions Drop Offs

And here is Appliance Retailer’s 11th Tip:

11. Don’t let the list of clients on these websites confuse you – all three recyclers must accept e-waste from any brand.