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Where to donate e-waste for recycling in New Zealand

Recycling your e-waste is an important step in ensuring it stays out of the landfill.
By · Updated November 8, 2024
Where to donate e-waste for recycling in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) generated is rising. Recycling your e-waste ensures it stays out of landfill and is disposed of properly.

The average New Zealander produces over 21kg of electronic waste every year.

Why recycle e-waste?

For a long time, New Zealand has lacked e-waste recycling programmes, meaning most old electronic equipment was diverted to landfills, where it breaks down into the soil and water table.

The mission of e-waste recycling programmes in New Zealand is to minimise the environmental impact of electronic devices, which often contain toxic materials. By keeping e-waste out of our landfills, these programmes help reduce pollution and keep our environment clean. E-waste recycling also contributes to a more circular economy, where materials are recovered and reused.

What is the problem with e-waste?

Recycling e-waste is important in preventing toxic materials from seeping into the environment. Many electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions, contain hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. If these aren't properly disposed of, they can seep into the soil, waterways, and air, posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems.

Safely handling and recycling e-waste can contain and properly dispose of these hazardous materials. It's important that private citizens take responsibility for disposing of their e-waste correctly.

What solutions are there for recycling e-waste?

Local councils and waste management companies around New Zealand have established e-waste recycling facilities. These facilities provide residents with accessible options for disposing of their e-waste safely.

TechCollect is a nationwide e-waste recycling initiative. TechCollect operates multiple drop-off points across the country, including locations in Christchurch. Through TechCollect, individuals and businesses can easily and responsibly dispose of their unwanted electronic devices, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and recycled.

Some businesses also offer electronic waste recycling. Noel Leeming partners with Tech Collect and offers free e-waste collection at 27 of their stores throughout the country. Warehouse Stationery also partners with Tech Collect and offers recycling at six of its stores.

Types of electronic waste that can be disposed of:

Various electronic devices can be disposed of through proper recycling channels. These include but are not limited to:

  • Computers and laptops

  • Mobile phones and tablets

  • Printers, scanners, and photocopiers

  • Televisions and monitors

  • Audio and video equipment

  • Kitchen appliances (e.g., microwaves, blenders)

  • Electronic toys and gaming consoles

  • Batteries and chargers

Where to dispose of e-waste in New Zealand

Auckland

Auckland Council accepts hazardous waste at several of their transfer stations across the city, including Waitākere, Waiheke, and Silverdale.

Junk Run accepts electronic waste from anything that is powered with a cord or battery, including household appliances. They have collection areas in West Auckland, East Auckland, North Shore, South Auckland and Auckland City.

Computer Recycling is located in Auckland and has frequent pick-up locations and days for recycling electronic waste.

Wellington

Wellington City Council Southern Landfill provides e-waste recycling services at 223 Happy Valley Road, Owhiro Bay.

The Sustainability Trust accepts the drop-off of electronic equipment and e-waste for recycling. They are located in Foresters Lane, Te Aro.

Christchurch

EcoDrop Styx Mill has three locations around Christchurch, including Bromley, Styx Mill and Parkhouse Road.

Kilmarnock offers an E-Recycling drop-off facility in Wigram, Christchurch which accepts most e-waste and household appliances for recycling.

Hamilton

Recycle IT services the Hamilton City and Waikato District area and accepts a wide range of electrical equipment regardless of age or condition.

Service Industries NZ are located in Frankton and services the Hamilton and Waikato areas.

Dunedin

Dunedin City Council accepts e-waste drop-offs at the rummage shop at Green Island Landfill.

Cargill Enterprises accepts e-waste drops offs at 199 Hillside Road, South Dunedin.

Invercargill

Recycle South is a not-for-profit that accepts donations of e-waste. They accept computers and appliances for recycling.

Nelson

Nelson Environment Centre Provides e-waste recycling services at 6 Vivian Place Annesbrook.

Taranaki

The Junction accepts a wide variety of e-waste for disposal and recycling for a small fee.

Palmerston North

Palmerston North City Council The Transfer Station located at 200 Ferguson Street they accept household batteries, appliances, mobile phones and other e-waste for recycling.

Where to dispose of specific types of e-waste

Where to dispose of computers and laptops

Warehouse Stationery

Noel Leeming

Tech Collect

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of monitors

Warehouse Stationery

Noel Leeming

Tech Collect

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of mobile phones and tablets

Warehouse Stationery

Noel Leeming

Tech Collect

Electronics Recycling NZ

Re:mobile

Where to dispose of printers, scanners, and photocopiers

Warehouse Stationery

Noel Leeming

Tech Collect

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of televisions and monitors

Warehouse Stationery

Noel Leeming

Tech Collect

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of audio and video equipment

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of kitchen appliances (e.g., microwaves, blenders)

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

Where to dispose of electronic toys and gaming consoles

Electronics Recycling NZ

Where to dispose of batteries and chargers

Bunnings

Upcycle

Electronics Recycling NZ

E-Cycle

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