Events and Hubs
Information Page
Thank you for supporting electronics recycling in your area!
We couldn't reach so many people and remain a free service without the commitment of people like yourself.
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This page is your resource centre. We'll continue to update it and make more resources available as we go along and learn what works and what doesn't.
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Contact:
Lisa Saunders
0480616800 (text is the fastest way)
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Style and Language Guide
Language and Context Guide
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We're very specific about the language we use. ​​
Call it Electronics Recycling
Waste implies it's a problem to be thrown away in a bin or landfill. We say it's a valuable resource to be reused.
Keep it Light and Easy
We don't judge. People are doing the best they can and no one is perfect. Even if they don't really seem to care.
We Focus on Reuse
It is the most efficient form of recycling and has the lowest footprint. Even if it can't be reused, it won't go to landfill.
Please included the Whirl logo in any flyers or other media
(email Lisa for a png file)
Other colours available
Items We do and Do Not Take
We focus on recycling small electronics for reuse where possible. They are smaller than a microwave and include:
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Mobile phones; laptops; desktop computers; servers; switches; hard drives; modems; tablets; cameras; camera lenses and accessories; computer games; Gameboys; Nintendos; Playstation; Xbox; iPads; iPods; iPhones; Android phones; graphics cards; tools; cords and cables; turntables; DVD players; stereos; drones; small to medium-size power tools; routers; vintage mobile phones; vintage radios; receivers; amplifiers; servers; switches; routers; Apple TV (not a TV).
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We also take the following items. We don't list them but people bring them anyway.
Blenders; toasters; hand mixers; coffee machines; grinders; electric motors; lamps; light fixtures; transformers; monitors; drills; electric garden tools; computer keyboards; mice; and similar.
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We do not recycle:
TVs; Microwaves; printers; fridges; washing machines; dryers; dishwashers; stoves; ovens; lawnmowers; loose household or Lithium batteries (we can take the camera, laptop, mobile and other device batteries that come with the device); petrol, gas or other flammable-fueled machine, DVDs, CD's, records.
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We do not take CRT (box) TVs or CRT monitors, CRT Apple computers.
Their screens are 40% lead and require specialised recycling. Companies that are part of the government TV recycling scheme can take them.
We do not take smoke alarms. They are radioactive, hazardous materials and a danger to you in large quantities.
While having them in your homes is fine, they become do contain a radioactive element and need specialised handling for recycling. We do not have the facilities to safely handle and recycle these items and so they put you and us at risk.
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We do not take plastic bags, soft plastics or styrofoam. We can't recycle them.
Scheduling and Promoting an Event
Email Lisa (lisa@whirlrecycling.com)
Let her know your desired date(s), location, address
Make sure you've scheduled a pick up date for after the event.
Speak to Lisa about the potential need for a large recycling bin (some events will be big)
She'll send a flyer (see below for the setup)
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Two to Three Weeks Out
Post, text, email
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAp groups
Print flyers for local cafes and shops
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One Week Out
Remind network
Post, text, email
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAp groups
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Two Days Out
Final reminders
Post, text, email
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAp groups
Event Logistics
We'll either drop buckets off, or if you are far from us and able to get to a nearby Bunnings, we'll order the kit for you to pick up.
Each event needs buckets or milk crates to collect the electronics. When people arrive, they need to empty their boxes or bags and place the items only into a bucket. No plastic bags or packaging.
We never allow people to drop their bags or boxes and go.
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There's a few reasons why:
- People often leave items in their boxes that we can't take or recycle.
- Boxes sometimes have bugs, bug waste, food, etc.
- We're overwhelmed with boxes and plastic bags daily.
- Household plastic tubs break under the weight of electronics
- We're not cardboard or plastic recyclers.
- We have to transport or pay to recycle the boxes and bags.
- Our vans have a 30% increased capacity using the buckets without boxes.
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We ask people to empty their boxes and put their own items in the buckets and crates. This eliminates plastic boxes and bags, as well as wish-cycling (including items we can't recycle in the hopes that we'll do something with it)
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Really important to ensure people do not just drop a box and bag or leave. They often have things like smoke detectors, batteries, even bugs and bug poo in their packages.
The people who are more likely to try to drop and run are the ones with that stuff!
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If someone tells you they have to rush, just nod and ask them again to empty their box/bag. Tell them we can't accept it as is and it has to be emptied. If they refuse. they can take their items away. Those people statistically are the ones most likely to have stuff they know we can't take.
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Data Security
We have a web page on data security. Good to look at it prior to the event. Bottom line is we ensure all data is irretrievably destroyed. Either the drive is erased using Active@KillDisk, or shredded, washed, baled and smelted. Nothing survives either processes.
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Our customers include NSW Health, Education, Fire, Police, Police Cyber Crime Unit, Swiss, German, Swedish and Czech consulates as well as SONY Music, several law firms and banks. We are used to jobs with high data security requirements.
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Grief Counseling
People often are giving us items that meant something to them. They worry about what will happen to it or want to make sure it's reused. Even fully broken items. I'm always straight about what will happen to is and then gentle if their emotions are strong. I'll say something like, "We can't always reuse items, but we do ensure they stay out of landfill and find a new life in some form." That seems to help.
Financials
Financial Split
As an events partner, you will receive 50% of the proceeds from items sold for resale.
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Any metal and electronics scrap that we transport usually barely covers the costs, if at all. We keep that to offset tolls, fuel, van rental.
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Items such as toasters, blenders, vacuums, lamps - anything this is metal or plastics and not from our list have zero value. Our recycling partners take it from us but do not pay us. We have to minimise those items as if they start to become the bulk of what we offer them, they will charge us.
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If a recycling bin is dropped on site and you fill it, all proceeds will go back to you. The account still sits with us, because we are one of their largest customers and so are paid better rates for items and will be prioritised for bin drops.
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Understanding the Financials of Recycling
Aside from being the most efficient form of recycling, with the least footprint, reuse is also the most financially viable form of electronics recycling. The reality is that scrapping items pays anywhere from 18 cents to three dollars a kilo. So, a van load of electronics scrap going to the metal recycler will net about $40 - $120 tops. It's just not financially viable to transport scrap.
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That same van load of items for reuse can net anywhere from $1000 on up. Which is why we focus on a mix - the items for reuse pay for the transport of the items for scrap.
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Household Appliances
18 cents a kilo
Computer Scrap
20 cents - $3 a kilo
Electronics for reused
$1 - $500 per item