Question 1

What do and don't you recycle?

Accepted Answer

We reuse or recycle technology (electronics) including:

Laptops; desktop computers; cameras; camera lenses and accessories; servers; switches; hard drives; mobile  phones; IP phones; motherboards; RAM; CPU; modems; tablets; controllers; control  boxes; WiFi extenders; PLCs; SCADA systems; GPS navigation systems;  cameras; camera lenses and accessories; computer games; Gameboys;  Nintendos; Playstation; Xbox; iPads; iPods; iPhones; Android phones;  graphics cards; cords and cables; Apple TV; turntables; x-rays; DVD players; CD players; video players; stereos;  computer keyboards; routers; vintage mobile phones; vintage radios;  receivers; amplifiers; tuners.

We can not take home appliances as they are metal scrap and require different machinery to process than our recycling partners use. Electronics recycling is a very hands-on, labour-intensive process. The resulting high costs make it necessary to focus only on items that can be reused, or recycled using machinery that our recycling partners work with.

In the past, we did take appliances and other items that were basically metal or plastic scrap. However, this has been placing a costly burden on our recycling partners as they had to manually sort them out and deliver them to metal scrappers. The value returned has not been covering their costs.

So, we have had to focus on items that they can process.

We can also take: surge protector boards; camera chargers; digital photo frames; headphones; monitors; blood pressure machines (no cuff); headphones;

Don't see your items on our list? Contact us at support@whirlrecycling.com(mailto:support@whirlrecycling.com)

IMPORTANT
Swollen batteries can explode and should be placed in a jar of water or sand and returned to the manufacturer. They have specialised storage for Li batteries that can guard against explosions and fires. We can not take them

WE CAN'T TAKE SMOKE DETECTORS

We can't take vapes, chargers or electric toothbrushes. They are basically Li batteries and can catch fire or explode.

We don't recycle:
TVs
Printers
Heaters
Toasters
Lamps
Vacuums
Household batteries
Portable charging packs ( they are batteries)
Lithium batteries that are separate to the devices they power (we do take the ones inside cameras, mobiles, laptops, vacuums)
Devices with swollen batteries (they can explode - see below)
Vapes
Microwaves
CRT (old box) monitors (see other FAQ for explanation)
Photocopiers
Laminators
Fridges
Washing machines
Dryers
Dishwashers
Stoves
Ovens
Exhaust fans
BBQs
Air Fryers
Oil Heaters
Large Gas Heaters
Electric Blankets
Air Conditioners
Lawnmowers
Large Machines
Vaporizers (metal scrappers can take the motor) 
Fake wood Speakers (the material can't be recycled)
Large lamps or floor standing lamps
Air Purifiers
Panel Heaters
Light Bulbs
Light Fittings
Loose Household Batteries (we can take the batteries in your camera, laptop, mobile and other devices that come with built-in batteries)
Video tapes
CDs
DVDs
Electric Fry Pans
Karchers or water pressure machines

Large industrial machines (bigger than a microwave)

Petrol, gas or other flammable-fueled machines

Anything with sludge, water, food, grease, fuel, animal waste or live creatures in or on it.

We handle items by hand and place them in a van. Any dirt, dust, webs, etc on the items will end up on our clothes and in our van.

Question 2

Is my data safe if I can't erase my device?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. We erase all data from devices whether they can be switched on or not.

If your security requirements necessitate the full destruction of the device, it will be shredded, washed, baled and smelted. No data can survive the process.

We provide full certification to companies for your audit trail. Free of charge.

For computers and laptops that can be reused, when we can remove the hard drive, we use Active@KillDisk to erase drives to U.S. Department of Defense 5220-22M erasure and 20+ international standards.

Devices that can not be securely erased are fully broken down to protect the data.

Mobile phones are either reset to factory standards if they can be reused or fully broken down.

Servers, switches, hard drives, memory sticks and other devices  requiring full destruction  are shredded, washed, baled and smelted. The raw materials are used to manufacture new items. No data can survive this process.

While we prioritise reuse where possible, data security is paramount.

Question 3

Why do I need to clean my items?

Accepted Answer

We pick up items by hand so any dirt gets on our clothes and skin. Items left out or in a garage for a long time will have dust, bug and possibly animal waste on it.

We end up breathing it as well. One item may not seem like a big deal, but we handle hundreds on any given day.

Question 4

Is there a minimum requirement for collections?

Accepted Answer

While we don't have a minimum requirement, as a free service we do need to cover the costs of collections. If you have one of the items from our list and live in the Sydney, metro area, that generally will cover most of the cost of collection.

As such, we appreciate it if  you have a good look through your cupboards to see if you have more than one item to recycle or only a small amount.

Often we have a bottom drawer of cords, cables, doodads and such that we haven't used for ages, if ever. Those kinds of items can have a second life.

If you only have one item that is not on our list, we then will need to wait until there are others nearby to cover our costs of collection before we can pick up.

Questions? Contact us at support@whirlrecycling.com(mailto:support@whirlrecycling.com)

Question 5

Why can't I choose my collection date?

Accepted Answer

For small loads that are less than a car or van load, we fit them in with others to make up a run. We get between 50-300 bookings a week and so can't set aside those other bookings to collect one small load.

If you are moving or have other time requirements, we suggest booking in two weeks in advance to better ensure we can collect in time for you.

Question 6

You used to pick up appliances. What happened?

Accepted Answer

While we transport items, it's our reuse and recycling partners that take over from there.

We work with electronics recyclers. They deal with electronics that have circuit boards in them, not metal scraps which require different machinery.

They accepted small appliances to support our operations, but, they need to sort them by hand and then get them to a metal scrapper. So, they never paid anything for them, nor were they paid enough to cover their own costs.

Most of the appliances we receive are too old, broken or too cheaply made to be reused. So, they need to be fully processed.

Appliances are mainly metal and plastic scrap. The machines used to process them are used by metal scrappers.

They are worth 18 cents a kilo when dropped at the scrappers location. Less if picked up.

For example, a van load of small appliances is likely to net $18 - $20 if transported to a metal scrapper. That would not cover fuel or tolls, much less personnel and warehouse rental.

The value of the appliances never cover costs of labour and transport.

So, if we drive for a typical four-hour run and only pick up appliances, at the end of that run, nothing would have any value to cover our costs of fuels, tolls, rent, electricity, labour and all the other items associated with running a business.

Without grants or some kind of consistent funding, we would quickly cease to operate.

As our operations continue to grow, the amount of appliances was also growing and becoming too much for our recycling partners. They have to pay their people to manually sort all items, then get them to a metal scrapper.

They've asked us to scale back and focus on electronics.

Question 7

Why can't you collect from me the same day I book in?

Accepted Answer

We receive on average 30-200 bookings in a given day and so process them according to order of arrival and proximity to areas we already have other stops allocated.

If you are planning to move or have other reasons for urgency, we suggest you book as soon as possible, allowing for a one to two-week wait time.

Questions? Contact us at support@whirlrecycling.com(mailto:support@whirlrecycling.com)

Question 8

Why don't you recycle TVs, microwaves, white goods or large appliances?

Accepted Answer

We've worked out a model that can remain a free service, while covering costs.

Large appliances and microwaves are more metal scrap than electronics recycling and so are handled by different companies than the ones we work with.

They are often too heavy for one person to lift and so would require two people and a truck with a tail lift.

TVs are often also very heavy and need two people to carry.

They all then need substantially more warehouse space.

All of which would substantially increase our costs of operation. But, the value of those items is so small that they never cover those costs to transport and store them.

This is why we only take smaller electronics and appliances which have less storage capacity requirements and are safe for one person to lift.

Question 9

How do you protect my data?

Accepted Answer

We erase all data from devices that we can turn on and sign in to.

For computers and laptops, when we can remove the hard drive, we use Active@KillDisk to erase drives up to U.S. Department of Defense 5220-22M erasure and 20+ more international sanitising standards.
​
Devices that can not be securely erased are fully broken down to protect the data.

We provide certificates of data erasure and destruction to businesses free of charge. 
​

Question 10

Is your service really free? What do you charge?

Accepted Answer

All our recycling services are 200% free, including certification. We do not charge anything or anyone for our services.

There are no gotchas, hidden fees or conditions.

Question 11

Why won't you take my metal machine?

Accepted Answer

All metal machines such as deep fryers, sterilisers and similar are primarily steel with a heating element and some wire. This is something metal recyclers process. The value of those items never cover the cost to transport them to the metal recyclers and as a free service, we can't afford to take them.

Question 12

Do you take household appliances?

Accepted Answer

No we do not.

We used to be able to but can't any longer. Our recycling partners who do the actual processing do not recycle plain metals or plastics. They have to sort them from the electronics and then transport them to the actual recyclers.

In the past they took them to support us. But, the volumes became too large and the reality is that these items have little to no value. The costs for them to sort and transport never was covered by the value of those items so they were doing this at a loss.

They finally had to stop.

Many appliances also no longer are made with recyclable materials.

Question 13

Where do you pick up from?

Accepted Answer

We pick up from pretty much anyone in the Sydney metro region -  homes, workplaces, schools, government departments and religious groups.

Question 14

Can you handle large loads?

Accepted Answer

We can manage single loads of up to 25 tonnes at any one time. Larger loads require multiple trips.

Question 15

How can you use my Apple device if it's locked?

Accepted Answer

Any Apple device that is locked can't be used by anyone else.

To enable it to be reused (and protect your data) you can do the following:

1. Go to the Settings, then your name on the top and then Find My. Turn off Find My first.
2. Go to Settiings then General and click on the Transfer or Reset Phone. Then Erase all Content and Settings.

if you have deactivated the Find My (phone) feature, erased the device and removed it from your iCloud account, it will be just like a new device and can be reused.

If not, your data will be locked. The device will then only be used for parts or fully recycled to its base components.

Question 16

Do you provide certificates of destruction or erasure? What is your process?

Accepted Answer

For businesses, schools, government or other professional organisations that require certification we provide a certificate of data destruction. This service is free.​

When booking a collection, let us know you need a certificate in the comments section.

Then, email an Excel spreadsheet of the serial numbers of your devices to be certified to support@whirlrecycling.com.

We will initiate an audit process to track the movements of your devices from the moment they are picked up until the data erasure is complete and certified.

Once completed, we will email you a certificate.

Question 17

What happens if I'm not there on your arrival or you can't reach our office?

Accepted Answer

If we can't find or access your items and can't reach the designated contact when we arrive, you'll need to drop them off at a hub.

As a free service, there are costs associated with picking up your items. If we have to return, then those costs are doubled. We have to be able to cover our costs to maintain a free service.

In the past, we did return but often had the same issue again.

Question 18

What happens if I forget to leave my items out?

Accepted Answer

If we can't find or access your items you'll need to drop them off at a hub. We don't return to places where items were not left out or are left in a locked area.

As a free service, there are costs associated with picking up your items. If we have to return, then those costs are doubled. We have to be able to cover our costs to maintain a free service.

In the past, we did return but often had the same issue again.

Question 19

Why don't you accept light bulbs or light fittings?

Accepted Answer

We do not recycle light bulbs or light fittings. They are completely different processes and machinery than the ones used by the companies we work with.

Light fittings often come with light bulbs. They require specialised handling and recycling. We do not have the facilities to handle them safely.

Light bulbs are filled with gases and chemicals.

Fluroscent tubes are lined with mercury. They almost always break during transport, venting toxic, harmful gases.

Because we handle electronics by hand, those chemicals get on our clothes and we have often been cut by the broken glass. This means materials such as mercury then get into our blood stream through the cuts.

For our safety, please do not give us any light bulbs.

Question 20

Why do I need to put things in a box? Why did you leave the box?

Accepted Answer

A cardboard box  protects smaller items from theft, rain, bugs or animals peeing on them. Larger items can be left out or under a tarp if it's raining and there is no place under cover for them.

We often bring our own buckets to empty the boxes. But, if we run out of our own buckets, we'll take the box with us.

As we are not a cardboard or plastic recycling facility, we have to pay to have our cardboard recycled and have to find a way to recycle the plastic.

So, we ask you not to use plastic bags or boxes, if possible.

If that's not an option, simply let us know and we'll make sure we keep a bucket handy.

Question 21

Do you repair things?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we don't. We do know people who do and so when we recycle an item, we get it to the best person to restore it.
​

Question 22

Why don't you take CRT (old box) TVs or monitors?

Accepted Answer

Old box or CRT TV and monitor screens are 40% lead and require specialised recycling. Companies that are part of the government TV recycling scheme can take them.

Question 23

Why don't you take take smoke alarms?

Accepted Answer

While having them in your homes is fine, they 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 us at risk.

Question 24

Does any of it go to landfill?

Accepted Answer

Nothing we pick up goes to landfill.

Through our network of restorers, collectors and local small businesses we find someone who will give your items a second life as they are.

That may be as a repaired and restored device if it can be reused.

For items that can't be reused, they'll be smelted or turned into pellets to be used in manufacturing.

Question 25

Why don't you call it e-waste?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to use the term electronics recycling as it represents a very different mindset and relationship to electronics than thinking of them as waste.

E-waste is about throwing out a problem. Recycling is about respecting it as something of value and finding a way to give it another life. ​Far from being waste, electronics and appliances all have a way of finding another use. Even if it's to become the raw materials for manufacturing.

Question 26

Do you collect in regional areas or other cities outside of Sydney?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Sydney right now.

For regional areas, we have organised community collection events with people and groups.

We also can pick up loads of 4 or more pallets of items such as servers, switches, desktops or laptops from regional areas in NSW, depending on the location.

If you are in a regional area and interested in discussing this further, email us at support@whirlrecycling.com(mailto:support@whirlrecycling.com)

Question 27

I changed my mind and want to get my device back. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the likelihood is not much.

We probably will not be able to find your item(s) after bringing it back to our warehouse,  so make sure you are ready to let go before giving it to us.

We collect large volumes of electronics every day. They're mixed in with so many more it is unlikely we can find yours again and give them it back to you.

As well, to we can't risk the chance that we accidentally give you somebody else's device and compromise their data security.

Question 28

Can I drop stuff off at your warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can when we are there to receive the items.

We are open for drop offs Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am – 12noon.

We also have a drop off day on the last Sunday of the Month between 10am – 1pm.

Call us on arrival on 0480616800 so we can direct you to the right place.

Question 29

Are you a not-for-profit or a charity?

Accepted Answer

We are a for-profit, social enterprise. The money we make enables us to keep our pick up and recycling service free for the community.

All  profits go towards expanding our services and keeping them free.

Question 30

How can we support Whirl?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for asking!

​Recycling with us is really the best way to support our operation. Sharing with your neighbours, setting up community collections, telling your workplace or school about us - these all make a huge contribution to our mission!

We also have a crowdfund page - https://ko-fi.com/whirlrecycling.(https://ko-fi.com/whirlrecycling) These small contributions offset our fuel and toll costs and help keep our service free.

​

Question 31

Why can't I just leave my items out on the verge or street? Isn't that easier?

Accepted Answer

Items left on the verge are considered to be dumped. This also is illegal in NSW. unless there is a council clean up. We have been asked by councils to specifically request that all items be left on property.

As well, metal scrappers and scavengers drive around looking for items left out and so often take them or cut their cords if they're on the verge.

Animals often pee on the items, bugs crawl into them and rain or dew leaves them wet and damaged. In the past, we have picked up items on the verge, only to find them full of bugs such as Redbacks or with animal wee on them.  As such, we have made the decision not to touch anything left on the verge.

If you do not have any way to leave items on your doorstep, contact us at support@whirlrecycling.com to organise an alternative arrangement.

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