What is e waste? A practical Australian guide

Ask whether the item uses power, stores power or is part of electrical equipment. A desktop computer is obvious. A dead power pack, a battery inside a scanner and an old network switch are easy to miss. Working or not, if you no longer want it, it is e-waste.

E-waste covers a huge range of items. Not every collection point takes all of it. A phone counter may have no room for a large printer, and a computer program may not take an air conditioner. Work out what you have, then find somewhere that takes it. EPA Victoria explains what counts as e-waste and the rules.

In an office, look beyond the desks: meeting rooms, reception, cupboards and security systems all hold electronics. Check nothing is still connected to a live system before you label it to go.

An empty cardboard computer box is packaging. The computer inside it is e-waste. The foam corner blocks are something else again. Keep all three apart when you unpack or clear out.

Ink and toner cartridges have their own scheme: Cartridges 4 Planet Ark. Keep cartridges whole, contain any leaks and never empty toner into a paper bin.

Furniture with no electrical parts is not e-waste. Tell us about it separately, and it can usually go in the same job. A motorised desk has both, so tell the collector rather than taking the motor out yourself.

For your list, use simple columns: item, count, location, power source, damage and whether it holds data. Avoid one line saying "miscellaneous office items".

The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme is free for households and small businesses. It covers set product types, not everything with a plug. Check the site takes part and that your load fits its limits.

Officeworks Bring it Back takes listed technology items in store. It takes computers, some accessories and storage devices, but not loose batteries. Check the list and ask the store about quantities.

Council transfer stations are another option. Monash, Hume, Boroondara, Darebin and Wyndham all take electrical items, with different rules and charges. Our Melbourne e-waste directory compares them. Check the council page for hours before you go.

Start with why you are clearing out. A laptop refresh needs a device list and a data decision. A warehouse closure needs quantities, loading access and someone to sign off. Damaged stock needs checking before it is moved.

Give one person charge of the list. Describe the volume so someone can check it: device counts, pallet sizes, or a photo of the whole load. Include stairs, lift sizes and dock bookings.

A steady flow may suit regular collections. A one-off clear-out suits a single booked pickup.

Deleting files is not the same as destroying data, and recycling does neither. Ask IT which devices hold data and what needs to happen to it. Storage can be built into a printer, removable from a server or fixed inside a tablet.

Decide who signs off on each device. Flag any drive that cannot be accessed. A receipt for a number of boxes does not mean every drive was wiped.

Keep devices whole unless a technician has a reason to take them apart. Loose circuit boards and unlabelled drives are hard to count. Leave asset labels on.

Protect screens and stop heavy items shifting onto them. Bundle leads separately. Use sturdy containers with labels showing. Photograph the load as packed.

Tell the collector about heat, swelling, leaking batteries, broken glass, water or fire damage. Never charge a damaged device to test it. If something is smoking or hot, keep people away and follow your site's emergency plan.

Walk the collection area with your list. Check cupboards, drawers and shelves for loose drives, spare batteries and cartridges. Mark what must stay, and sort out any rented or leased items first.

Photograph each type of item and the loading route. A doorway that fits a person may not fit a copier, and a freight lift may need booking. Name the person who can answer questions on collection day.

Laptops, phones and tablets can come as they are, with their batteries in. Loose, swollen or damaged lithium batteries are not taken. Tell us if any device is swollen, cracked or has been in water. Ask a qualified person to remove them, and do not include the removed batteries in the equipment load.