It’s International E-Waste Day

Did you know Australians generate nearly three times the global average of e-waste per person?

The ProblEM
Australians are generating more e-waste than ever. In 2019, the global average was 7kg per person, while Australians produced 20kg each. That’s a staggering amount of discarded electronics – including mobile phones, laptops, televisions and home appliances – many of which could be reused, repaired, or recycled. E-waste also leaches toxic chemicals into landfill - polluting soil and water, harming ecosystems, and threatening human health.


E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. More than 90% of the components in your computer or television can be fully recycled. With that in mind, let’s be part of the solution. Learn about the e-waste problem and what we can do - as individuals, communities, businesses, and schools. It’s easier than you might think!


E-Waste and the Circular Economy

E-waste is a critical challenge – but also a powerful opportunity within the circular economy. Repairing, repurposing, and recycling electronics can reduce waste and conserve resources. By supporting initiatives that extend the life of devices, we reduce demand for raw materials, lower carbon emissions, and create social and economic value. It’s a win-win for people and the environment.


The Opportunity

International E-Waste Day on October 14 is the perfect time to rethink how we use and dispose of technology. Two standout initiatives – The Reconnect Project and DV Safe Phone – are helping Australians reduce e-waste while supporting vulnerable communities.


The Reconnect Project

Founded in 2019, The Reconnect Project is a social enterprise dedicated to closing the digital divide while tackling mobile device e-waste – including phones, laptops, and iPads. The organisation partners with support agencies such as women’s shelters, refugee services, and youth outreach programs to match clients with suitable digital devices. Clients also have input into the type of device they choose to receive.

The Reconnect Project also creates employment opportunities for neurodivergent young adults by training them in device repair and customer service. Through paid internships and work-integrated learning, participants gain valuable skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.
 
“As a small enterprise, we run a repair shopfront where people can get their tech repaired—anything electronic, our technicians can fix,” Annette Brodie, Founder and CEO of The Reconnect Project, said.

 

Any parts that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled via Ecocycle.


Impact so far:

  • 4,000 devices distributed
  • 1,260+ hours of training delivered
  • 968 hours of paid employment for neurodivergent young people
  • 5,500 kg of devices diverted from landfill


“Since 2019, we’ve repaired and distributed 4,000 high-quality mobile phones, tablets, and laptops to people in need – and harvested spare parts from thousands more devices that would otherwise have been scrapped,” Annette continued


“Repairing keeps devices in use -send us your unwanted devices and we’ll give them a new life.”

DV Safe Phone

Established in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an Australian charity that repurposes donated mobile phones for victims of domestic violence, gifting them via a support network of over 500 agency partners, including DV agencies, police stations, hospitals, and safe houses – ensuring access to emergency services and connection with loved ones when it is needed most.


With 1 in 4 (23% or 2.3 million) women and 1 in 14 (7.3% or 693,000) men having experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in Australia, a safe phone can be life-saving. DV Safe Phone distributes between 100–250 phones each week. Phones are repaired to perfect working condition, and any unusable parts or phones are recycled via Mobile Muster.


Impact so far:

  • 5,000+ phones distributed via over 500 agency partners across Australia
  • 1,300+ phone drop-off partners nationwide


“This International E-Waste Day, don’t just think recycling – think rescue,” Ashton Wood, Founder of DV Safe Phone said.


“Every phone rescued from landfill can become a life-saving connection for someone escaping domestic violence. Through our charity, more than three tonnes of e-waste have already been diverted from landfill and transformed into Safe Phones - each one a second chance at safety, dignity, and hope.”

What You Can Do

  • Donate devices - Phones, tablets, laptops, and small electronics can be dropped off or mailed to either The Reconnect Project or DV Safe Phone.
  • Repair your tech - Extend the life of your devices by booking a repair at The Reconnect Project.
  • Host a collection box - Businesses can host DV Safe Phone donation boxes to boost community contributions.
  • Volunteer - Help with community collections, repairs, or awareness campaigns.
  • Spread the word - Share the missions of DV Safe Phone and The Reconnect Project to encourage more support.

 

This International E-Waste Day, let’s rethink our relationship with technology. Every device we repair, reuse, or donate is a step toward a cleaner environment and a more connected, compassionate community. Whether you’re an individual, a business, a school, or part of a local community, your actions matter.


Small changes lead to lasting impact! Let’s turn e-waste into opportunity.

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