Need to dispose unwanted computer equipment?

On Tuesday, 23 April 2013, staff and students will be able to drop off their unwanted computers and computer accessories free of charge in Carpark 5 (south of Shortland Union) between 8.00am and 12.00 noon.

The University of Newcastle together with the Tom Farrell Institute has entered into a partnership with Sims Recycling Solution (SRS) to provide this IT recycling service to keep computers out of landfill.  In 2011 only 5% of redundant computers were recycled in Australia – a staggering 1.7 million went to landfill. Computers and their accessories contain a multitude of rare metals and finite resources that will be lost once landfilled.  In landfills there is also the potential for pollutants to enter ground and surface waters.

The collected IT items will be broken down into their individual components including various metals and plastics to allow up to 98% of the material to be returned to the manufacturing cycle for recycling.

The IT recycling service is the first initiative of its kind at the UoN and aims to set a precedent for future events. It will not only promote sustainable choices but also provide an outlet for staff and students to dispose of their unwanted computer devices at no cost.

It is important that only acceptable items be dropped off to ensure there is no contamination which may impede the recycling success.

ACCEPTED ITEMS

• Computers
• Laptops
• Monitors
• Printers, faxes, scanners, MFD
• Multimedia speakers
• Keyboards, mice, webcams
• Modems and routers
• Cables, power cords
• Hard drives, circuit boards
• Mobile phones

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

• Televisions
• DVD / VHS players
• Audio equipment
• Gaming consoles
• Digital cameras
• Kitchen appliances
• Household appliances
• Power tools
• White goods
• Loose batteries