E-waste not want not: how to recycle old phones and computers

<p>The average Australian generates about 22kg of e-waste yearly. Here’s how to responsibly recycle your unwanted devices </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/change-by-degrees">Change by degrees</a> offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household’s carbon footprint</p></li><li><p>Got a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.com</p></li></ul><p>It takes time, money and fossil fuels to make the electronics that underpin modern life. From the mining of rare earths and metals to processing, manufacture and shipping, the engineering and logistical innovations that make it possible to buy a new phone every year produce incredible amounts of waste.</p><p>According to the latest Global E-Waste Monitor, the world <a href="https://ewastemonitor.info/the-global-e-waste-monitor-2024/">is generating 62m tonnes</a> of e-waste annually and is on track to reach 82m tonnes by 2030. Australia alone produces 580,000 tonnes yearly. Between planned obsolescence, advancing technology and genuine malfunctions, this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/22/going-to-e-waste-australias-recycling-failures-and-the-challenge-of-solar">figure is expected to rise</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/16/how-to-recycle-old-mobile-phones-computers">Continue reading...</a>