The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) was brought in 2011 by the Australian government. It’s an extended producer responsibility scheme which means that producers and importers (companies like Dell, Microsoft, Apple) of the products such as laptops, computers, televisions become responsible for disposal of these products at the end of their life.
In any year, an importer or manufacturer is liable if they imported or manufactured more than a unit threshold amount during the previous financial year.
The threshold amounts are:
- 5000 units of televisions
- 5000 units of computers or printers
- 15,000 units of computer parts or peripherals.
It was introduced by the government to minimise the environmental impact that is caused by disposing of the electronic waste incorrectly.
The scheme has three main objectives, which together mean better management of e-waste:
- reduce waste to landfill, especially hazardous materials found in e-waste
- increase recovery of reusable materials in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner
- provide access for households and small businesses across Australia to an industry-funded recycling service.
The scheme aims to lift television and computer recycling rates from the low rate of around 17% in 2010 to 80% by 2021–22.
It covers things like televisions, computers and basically anything that plugs into a computer such as keyboards and mice. But unfortunately, it doesn’t cover things like DVD players, radios, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, and other kitchen appliances. We are hopeful that this will change to include more e-waste in the upcoming years.
You can find the list of approved items on our drop-off location page or download the Acceptable items schedule 2020 (PDF, 135 KB).
Under the scheme, more than 1,800 collection services have been made available to the public and 230,000 tonnes of TV and computer e-waste have been collected and recycled.
So those of you who have unwanted or dead electronics, please head over to our Drop-off locations finder where you’ll be able to find your nearest drop off point.