Batteries and E-waste do not belong in the Bin

Published on 22 January 2025

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If it has a plug, battery, or cord and is unwanted, it’s e-waste. Common types of e-waste are old phones, computers, household appliances, power tools and toys.

E-waste contains valuable resources that can be reused, as well as some nasty materials that are harmful to the environment. E-waste must not be deposited in bins or landfill, but taken to a recycling facility to ensure the harmful components are removed and the remainder recycled.

Why recycle it?
There are many great reasons why you should recycle e-waste:

  • It’s good for the environment

    E-waste is responsible for 70% of the toxic chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, found in landfills. Even in small amounts, these dangerous chemicals can cause environmental contamination.

  • It’s good to recover and reuse

  • E-waste also contains valuable materials, including tin, nickel, zinc, aluminium, copper, silver, gold and plastic, that can be recycled. On average, e-waste is 95% recyclable. For example, old mobile phones can be recycled to make stainless steel goods, new batteries and even plastic fence posts.

  • Keep it out of landfill
    In Australia, 511,000 tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2019. That means the average Australian produced 20 kg of e-waste. Currently, only a third of the total value of the materials in the e-waste we generate is recovered. This means that in 2019 alone, Australians sent $430 million worth of materials to landfills along with their e-waste.

Where do I take it?
E-waste can be dropped off at any Hindmarsh Shire Council Transfer Station. You can find out more about our transfer station hours by vising www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Triana, Team Leader Waste and Sustainability, at 03 5391 4444, or via email at vtriana@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Bill Millard
Acting Chief Executive Officer

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