eWaste
Electronic waste, commonly known as eWaste, is growing up to three times faster than other types of household waste in Australia.
What is eWaste?
eWaste is any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted. This covers a whole range of items from work, home and even the garden shed, such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, kitchen appliances, power tools and toys. A complete list of items covered by the ban is available on the Sustainability Victoria e-waste webpage.
eWaste ban
The Victorian Government banned eWaste in landfills from July 2019 across the state. This means eWaste can no longer be placed in your household garbage bin.
eWaste can contain hazardous materials that can leach into the soil and groundwater or be released into the air causing long term environmental damage and harm to human health. Electronic and electrical goods also contain valuable materials that can be recovered for recycling.
Donating and repairing eWaste
Before recycling it, consider whether you can donate it to a charity or get it repaired. Keeping goods circulating keeps them out of landfill or recycling plants.
Local social enterprise, WombleTech, will take unwanted computers (working or not) and refurbish them for vulnerable members of the community. Go to the WombleTech website to register your donation, find a drop off point or to arrange a pickup.
Drop off points for WombleTech in Merri-bek
Drop off your unwanted IT equipent at one of these two Neighbourhood Houses:
Reynard Street Neighbourhood House, 104a Reynard St, Coburg
Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Some charities will accept electrical items in good condition. Not all charities accept electrical items, contact your local store to check first and drop off during store opening hours.
If your item needs repairing Brunswick Tool Library may be able to assist through their monthly Repair Cafes. These occur on the third Saturday of the month between 10am and 2pm. You can take items in to have them repaired or learn how to repair them yourself. Items must be able to be carried in. Go to Brunswick Tool Library for more information and event dates.
Recycling eWaste in Merri-bek
From July 2019 Merri-bek residents will be able to recycle their eWaste through Council’s twice yearly hard waste collection in Spring and Autumn. eWaste can be placed on the kerbside (in a separate pile) during the hard waste collection, for recycling.
There are also a number of free drop-off points available for recycling the following electrical products, in between hard waste collections:
Alternatively, for a small fee you can take items to a neighbouring transfer station. As Council does not have its own transfer station please call ahead to confirm fees and charges, as costs to recycle eWaste vary.
Transfer stations close to Merri-bek
Banyule Waste Recovery Centre
Corner Waterdale Road and Banksia Street, Bellfield
Phone 9490 4222
Darebin Resource Recovery Centre
Kurnai Avenue (off Henty Street), Reservoir
Phone 9462 3455
East Brunswick Transfer Station
32 Kirkdale Street, Brunswick East
Phone 9389 5100 or 1300 362 362
Hume Resource Recovery Centre
Bolinda Road, Campbellfield
Phone 9359 3813
Moonee Valley Transfer Station
188 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie
Phone 8325 1730
For opening hours see our full list of transfer stations.
Further information
For more information about the eWaste landfill ban, what eWaste is, and to find details of other recycling options visit Sustainability Victoria's eWaste website or contact Council.