Riverina TV recycling service
A free TV recycling service is being provided from 30 June to 31 July 2011 for residents in the NSW Riverina border areas affected by regional Victoria’s switchover to digital television.
To convert to digital TV, you do not have to buy a new TV if you do not want to, because virtually all current analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by adding a digital set-top box or a digital TV recorder.
However, households who have already switched over to digital can drop off their old televisions for recycling for free. The month long TV muster is a joint initiative of the Australian, Victorian and New South Wales governments.
By the time the rest of NSW switches over to digital, beginning in the first half of 2012, the industry-run national television and computer product stewardship scheme is expected to be up and running.
For more information on the switchover to digital television, including switchover areas, call 1800 20 10 13 or go to: www.digitalready.gov.au
For more information on the national industry-run television and computer product stewardship scheme visit: www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/index.html
Drop-off locations and opening hours
The free TV recycling service is available to households in areas affected by the digital switchover. The service will run from 30 June to 31 July 2011.
Only intact televisions will be accepted. No cracked screens, computer monitors or other electronic waste will be accepted.
Households in any of the affected areas can drop off their televisions at any of the collection sites listed below. Proof of residence will be required.
Deniliquin
Deniliquin landfill, Hay Road, Deniliquin.
Opening times: 8.30am – 4pm, 7 days a week
Culcairn
Culcairn landfill, Schnaars Road, Culcairn.
Opening times: Tues 2 – 5pm, Thurs 9 -12 pm, Sat 2 -5pm, Sun 2 – 5 pm
Wodonga
Wodonga Waste Transfer Station, Kane Road, Wodonga
Opening times Mon - Fri 9am -5pm. Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10am - 4pm
Swan Hill
Swan Hill Landfill, Sea Lake - Swan Hill Road
Opening times Sun - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 2pm
Frequently asked questions
What items will be accepted?
This program is for the collection of old/unwanted televisions only. Any kind of television will be accepted, it does not necessarily have to be an old analog television. Only televisions that are still in their cases (wooden or plastic) with no cracks in the screen will be accepted. Computer monitors are not accepted.
Why are you only accepting televisions that are still in their cases with no cracks in the screen?
Cracked and physically broken televisions can expose council staff to hazardous materials including broken glass and lead particles. You should ensure your television is returned for recycling in one piece and should not attempt to dismantle and salvage any components for yourself.
What happens to the televisions? How are they recycled?
Televisions are typically manually dismantled. Materials are sorted into various product streams: metals, plastics, glass, cables, packaging, etc.
There is very little which is not recycled.
How are some of the recycled materials used?
Recycled plastics are used in the manufacture of items such as:
- outdoor furniture
- plastic plant pots
- dashboards for cars
Metals are remanufactured into the same metals including steel, copper, lead, tin and aluminium.
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass (from television screens) can become new CRT glass.
Who is doing the recycling?
For this event, the TVs will be processed by Australian based companies
Can members of the community take televisions away from the bins/containers at the drop-off sites?
No. There is an undertaking to recycle all product collected. Workers, businesses or the general public cannot take anything from the recycling site.
How long do I have to take advantage of these free collections?
The free collections for the regional Victoria areas and the NSW Riverina affected by the digital switchover will be available from Thursday 30 June 2011 to Sunday 31 July 2011.
Why is it important to dispose of and recycle televisions properly?
Televisions, computers and other electronic items (e-waste) contain non- renewable resources such as tin, nickel, zinc, aluminium and copper, as well as hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. Sending these products to landfill means the resources they contain are lost and there is potential that the hazardous substances may be released into the environment.
Why are collections only happening in some parts of Victoria, and the NSW Riverina?
Only selected areas of regional Victoria and NSW Riverina have been affected by the digital switchover on 5 May 2011. For more information about when the digital switchover will reach you and how to be ready, visit the Australian Government Digital Switchover Taskforce website at www.digitalready.gov.au
Who is making money out of this?
No-one is making money from this program.
The Australian Government and New South Wales Government are funding this program in NSW and sharing collection costs in the border collection sites of Wodonga and Swan Hill in conjunction with Sustainability Victoria. The Office of Environment and Heritage NSW and Sustainability Victoria in partnership with the local regional Councils are coordinating and managing the program.
A typical television costs approximately $20 to recycle and currently it is a very expensive process to transport the televisions for recycling.
No television collected under this program will be on sold or donated.
Why are only televisions being collected and not other electronic waste (e-waste) collected e.g. computers, DVD players, fridges and washing machines etc?
This program is designed to support the recycling of unwanted televisions only. This is to coincide with any televisions that may become obsolete and unwanted due to the digital switchover which affects regional Victoria and NSW Riverina from 5 May 2011.
The program is an interim measure before the industry-run national collection and recycling scheme for TVs and computers is up and running.
The industry-run scheme will collect both TVs and computers. If your council does not offer computer waste recycling, you may need to store your unwanted items until the industry-lead recycling scheme is operational.
Some councils have an electronics recycling drop-off service for other electronic items.
Contact your local council for information on e-waste collections in your council area, alternatively visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au for more information.
Contact your local council or local whitegoods retailer to enquire about the best way to dispose of your unwanted whitegoods.
I am unable to get to one of the drop-off sites because my television is too heavy for me to lift. Can they be collected from my house?
Given the nature of this collection arrangement, there is no formal arrangement in place for collection of items from an individual's household. In this instance, we suggest seeing if a friend, family member or neighbour may be able to assist you with any items you wish you drop-off at your designated location.
Can I take my unwanted TV to a drop off location that is not within my council?
Yes. This television collection program is open to all residents affected by the switchover. You can drop off your television at any of the listed sites, despite what council area you may reside in. Proof of residence will be required.
What happens if I miss the free recycling cut-off date of 31 July 2011?
Regional householders affected by the switchover will have the opportunity to drop their unwanted televisions over a period of a month. If you miss the date contact your council to determine your options, or store your unwanted television and other electronic items until the national recycling scheme is introduced.
Is this the only way I can dispose of my television?
No. You do not necessarily need to dispose of your television this way, especially if it still works. Other options may include asking a family member or friend if they want it, or contact a local charitable organisation or welfare agency.
I heard that there is an industry-lead national scheme for televisions and computers coming soon. When is that happening?
In November 2009, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (made up of Australian Environment Ministers) agreed to develop a national recycling scheme for computers and televisions. This scheme is being phased in from the end of 2011 and will be progressively rolled out across Australia.
For more information about the scheme check out the Australian Government website at www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/
Page last updated: 29 June 2011
