E-Waste Recycling
Items containing a battery, such as mobile phones, personal computers, etc. will not be accepted as refuse at the Waste Recovery Centre.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing type of waste in the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we generate around 80,000 tonnes per year!
E-waste often contains dangerous metals and other substances that can be toxic to the environment and to human health if disposed of or handled inappropriately. Some may also contain valuable and scarce resources that should be recovered and recycled.
Batteries, particularly lithium-ion (LI) batteries from personal devices such as smartphones and computers contain hazardous materials and are a leading cause of fires in landfills and compactor trucks. Fires caused by electronic waste are a growing problem – when refuse is compacted or crushed in rubbish trucks and landfills hoppers, the batteries can be damaged and cause fires. Broken computer and mobile phone batteries are a leading cause of fires in both rubbish trucks and landfills.
Free loose battery drop-off points
Don't bin batteries! Single use and rechargeable loose batteries up to the size of a power tool battery pack can be dropped off free of charge for recycling at the Waste Recovery Centre. The Nelson Environment Centre (located next to the Waste Recovery Centre) also accepts loose batteries for recycling (a small fee usually applies). Small quantities of batteries can also be dropped off at the Council Customer Service Centre.
E-Waste recycling
Nelson City Council provides support to Nelson Environment Centre to reduce the cost of e-waste recycling for all Nelson residents and businesses. Nelson Environment Centre aims to recover/repair where possible, and ensure that the remaining items are responsibly recycled. Small charges apply for most items, to cover processing costs. Find out more here.
When dropping off your e-waste please make sure to speak to staff to find out where to leave your items, and pay any charges that apply. Do not leave your items without first getting the approval of staff to do so.
Common e-waste items accepted by Nelson Environment Centre are listed below. If in doubt, give them a call before you visit.
- Household electronics - kitchen appliances, stereos, gaming consoles, DVD/VHS players, speakers, cables, mobile phones, microwaves, vacuum cleaners
- TVs and computer monitors
- Personal computers, laptops, e-readers, modems, routers, UPS, keyboards, docking stations
- Printers
To learn more about which items are accepted, and costs, go here: https://www.nec.org.nz/electronics-reuse
Nelson Environment Centre
6 Vivian Place, Annesbrook.
Phone: 03 545 9176
info@nec.org.nz
E-waste drop-off available during opening hours:
- 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday
- 10.00am - 4.30pm Sunday
Please contact the Nelson Environment Centre if you would like to arrange collection of your e-waste. Please note there is an additional cost for the collection service.
TechCollectNZ offer a free recycling service at Noel Leeming for a range of smaller items including personal computers, tablets, printers, cameras and peripherals that can be dropped off at Noel Leeming in Nelson.
For more information on what can be recycled and where items are accepted, go to techcollect.nz. These items are sent to Auckland to be recycled.
Free mobile phone recycling
Mobile phones can be dropped off for recycling through the RE:mobile programme at a range of locations in the region. Money from recycling phones is donated to Sustainable Coastlines. To check out the full list of collection points go to drop-off locations.
