Getting the gift of a new phone, appliance or electrical device for Christmas? Maybe a new e-scooter or e-bike?

Chances are, if you received something new, it updates something you already had.

EPA Victoria wants you to know that your old devices, especially those powered by lithium batteries, can still be recycled. But if you’re disposing of replaced, ageing or non-functioning devices, they must not be thrown in with the general waste.

Electronic waste or e-waste - that is anything with a battery, plug or power cord, like televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, whitegoods, and solar panels - can be recycled and valuable wiring and components given a new use.   

All batteries including lithium batteries, need to be sorted and sent for proper disposal or they will become a fire hazard.

Separate your e-waste from where you store and dispose of other waste. And if you’re running a collection facility, e-waste and processed e-waste materials must be handled and stored with due care to reduce fire risk and avoid leakage which could release hazardous substances into the air, water or soil.

For more information on battery disposal go to Australia’s official battery stewardship scheme - B-cycle

For more information about e-waste, go to your council for local disposal sites and epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/manage-e-waste/about-ewaste