What to Do With Your Old Tech: Recycling, Donating, and Repurposing Your Gadgets
As technology continues to advance, it’s easy to find ourselves with a collection of old phones, tablets, and computers gathering dust. Rather than letting these devices take up space, why not give them a new lease on life? If your old gadget still works, consider donating it. Many local charities, community centres, and schools are happy to accept functional devices. Your old computer or tablet could be a lifeline for someone who needs it but can’t afford a new one.
If donating isn’t an option, there are plenty of ways to repurpose your old devices. Turn an old smartphone into a backup phone, a music player for your car, or even a digital photo frame to display your favourite memories. Tablets can be set up as dedicated e-readers or used as kitchen helpers for looking up recipes. Giving your tech a second life is a great way to reduce waste and help others.
However, if your device has truly reached the end of its life, it’s important to recycle it responsibly. E-waste, which includes old electronics like phones and laptops, contains hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly. Here’s how you can safely handle your e-waste in Brisbane.
Before you drop off any old device for recycling or donation, make sure to securely erase all personal data. This is a critical step to protect your privacy and prevent any chance of identity theft. For computers, this typically involves performing a factory reset and deleting all files. Smartphones and tablets should be reset to factory settings, and any cloud accounts should be signed out of beforehand.
Where to Recycle Your Tech in Brisbane
If you’re ready to part with your old gadgets, Brisbane has several reliable options for recycling:
E-Waste Connection: This facility offers dedicated e-waste recycling at locations including:
Kenmore: 98 Brookfield Rd
Yeronga: 167 Hyde Rd
North Booval: 83 Oxford St
They accept a wide range of electronics, making it easy for you to drop off old computers, phones, and other small devices.
Brisbane City Council Recycling Centres: You can also take your e-waste to one of the city’s recycling facilities. They accept various items, including old computers, monitors, and tablets, ensuring that these devices are disposed of safely.
Batteries
One common mistake is throwing used batteries directly in the bin. Batteries can be hazardous when disposed of improperly—they can leak toxic chemicals and even cause fires in bins or garbage trucks. Instead, put electrical tape on the ends of your used batteries and take them to a Bunnings store for recycling. Bunnings has a dedicated battery recycling program, making it a safe and convenient option.
Printer Cartridges
Printer cartridges are another common item that can’t be tossed in the regular bin. Fortunately, recycling them is easy. The "Cartridges 4 Planet Ark" program allows you to drop off used cartridges at participating stores like Officeworks and Australia Post. These collection points ensure that cartridges are recycled properly, reducing environmental impact. You can search up your nearest one online.
If all of this sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry—we’re here to help. At Greyology, we can assist you with securely wiping your data, determining if your device can be repurposed, and guiding you to the best recycling options in Brisbane. Whether it’s an old phone, a tired laptop, or even a stack of printer cartridges, we’ll make sure it’s handled responsibly.
By taking a little time to donate, repurpose, or recycle your old tech, you’re not only clearing out clutter but also doing your part to protect the environment. It’s a win-win!
Edin Read.
Founder & Chief Technician.
☎️ +61 401 018 615
