Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste)

Electronic and electrical waste, or ‘e-waste’, covers a range of items we all use and discard at work and at home. It includes, but is not limited to, televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances and white goods.  

While e-waste is not one of the main waste streams generated in Australia, it is one of the fastest growing and has significant opportunities for material recovery.

E-waste contains materials which may present risks to human health and the environment if not disposed of appropriately. It also contains recoverable materials, often including materials that are high in value.

Information and data on e-waste can be found in the 2021 report on Western Australian Material Flows Analysis [PDF 6 MB].

Unwanted electronics can be reused by giving them to someone who does want them, such as family, friends or neighbours. E-waste unable to be reused or repaired may be collected by local councils, or taken to a drop-off point.

E-waste management initiatives in WA aim to complement national action and support the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 objectives to avoid waste, recover more value and resources from waste, and protect the environment from the impacts of waste.

Western Australia supports implementation of national product stewardship schemes, where the schemes provide measurable benefits to the State.

The State Government is implementing a ban on e-waste disposal to landfill by 2024. Funding has been announced and will support of policy and regulatory changes and grants for new e-waste collection and recycling infrastructure. More information on the ban will be provided as planning and implementation progresses towards 2024.