Take your e-waste to a better place with two free drop-off events

Australians are amongst the highest users and disposers of technology in the world, generating thousands of tonnes of e-waste each year.

But did you know most e-waste is recyclable?

There are options for recycling and disposing of electronic waste, including Council’s free e-waste recycling collection service, with ‘drop-off’ events held throughout the year.

Councillor Marijke Graham, one of Council’s representatives on the Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee, encouraged residents to take advantage of Council’s upcoming free e-waste collection events.

“Council’s electronic waste collection events are a chance for residents to dispose of their unwanted electronic waste for free,” Cr Graham said.

Upcoming events Saturday 24 April, 8am to 3pm Saturday 22 May, 8am to 12noon

Disposal of e-waste is free for Maroondah residents, however, you must register online prior to attending, including selecting a time from one of the available time slots. Residents can choose to attend both days, but only one time slot is permitted for each day.

What is e-waste?

E-waste (electronic waste) is anything with a plug, battery or cord that is at the end of its useful life. It covers a range of items we use in our daily lives at home or work, including televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, audio devices, hard drives, appliances, whitegoods and air-conditioners.

“From 1 July 2019, the Victorian Government banned e-waste from being sent to landfill, which means all electronic goods and devices can no longer be placed in any household general waste bin or recycling bin. Instead it must be taken to an e-recycling facility or drop-off point,” Cr Graham said.

“E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in Australia, driven by an accelerating change in technology that consumers are now disposing of at unprecedented rates,” she said.

“These items contain valuable materials which are scarce and worth recovering, but also hazardous materials which pose considerable environmental and health risks, especially if treated inadequately.

“Electronic items contain valuable non-renewable materials such as tin, nickel, zinc, aluminium, copper and small amounts of precious metals. In fact, 98 per cent of the components in a computer or television can be fully recycled.

“By recycling e-waste, we can reduce our consumption of raw materials, which in turn reduces water and air pollution and protects natural habitats,” Cr Graham said.

What items are accepted?

Any item with a battery or cord (with the exception of whitegoods or items that two people cannot pick up) will be accepted, such as TVs, computers, battery-operated toys and kitchen appliances. We are also accepting fluorescent light globes (compact and tubes), household batteries, car batteries and gas bottles (up to 9 kilograms).

Before arriving at the event, make sure you:

Place your items in the empty boot of your car or vehicle tray. Have your confirmation email available for our event staff on the day. Drive in and follow the event signage and directions. Stay in your car and a staff member will remove your e-waste for you. Ensure that you have thoroughly washed your hands prior to placing materials in your car and attending the event. Remember to follow all current public health measures at the time and stay home if you feel unwell.

The Maroondah Council Operations Centre is located at 24-28 Lincoln Road, Croydon.

Further information

Household batteries and mobile phones can be dropped off for free at any one of

View a list of other