The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) was established in 2011. It gives Australian households and small businesses free access to industry-funded collection and recycling services.
These services are for televisions and computers, including printers, computer parts and peripherals.
The NTCRS builds on state, territory and local government e-waste management by providing other collection services. It also creates employment opportunities within the recycling sector.
NTCRS objectives
The objectives of the NTCRS are to:
- reduce waste to landfill, especially the hazardous materials found in electronic waste (e-waste)
- increase the recovery of reusable materials in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner
- provide convenient access to recycling services for households and small businesses throughout Australia.
How does the NTCRS work?
The Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 and the Recycling and Waste Reduction (Product stewardship—televisions and computers) Rules 2021 provide the regulatory framework for the NTCRS. This legislation sets outcomes for industry to meet and the National Environmental Protection Agency monitors compliance.
Companies who import or manufacture television and computer products over certain thresholds are liable under the NTCRS, and become responsible for the down-stream recycling of a proportion of these products.
Liable parties are expected to join an approved co-regulatory arrangement. These arrangements are responsible for day-to-day operation of the NTCRS, including organising collection and recycling of e-waste on behalf of liable party members. This is a form of product stewardship, where those involved in producing and selling products take some responsibility for the whole life cycle of their products.
How can I access an e-waste recycling service?
Members of the public and small businesses can drop television and computer products at designated collection points for recycling.
The NTCRS is designed to provide around 98 per cent of the Australian population with reasonable access to collection services. Services may include a permanent collection site at a local waste transfer station or retail outlet, or one-off events. These may be operated through your local council or resource management centre.
Read more
- Roles and responsibilities of scheme participants
- Local government
- Recyclers
- Co-regulatory arrangements
- Liable parties