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Posted 14/10/2025 10:06am

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E-waste diverted,
Sydney leads in recycling,
Tech finds new purpose.

Officeworks marks decade of e-waste recycling with trade-in program

Officeworks is celebrating a decade of its Bring it Back programme, having diverted over 12,500 tonnes of electronic waste from landfill since 2015.

The initiative is part of Officeworks' broader environmental efforts, which also include the Tech Trade-In programme.

The Dee Why store in Sydney has emerged as a leader in the company's e-waste collection efforts, having collected 71 tonnes of e-waste since 2020. This achievement makes it the top-performing suburb in Australia for e-waste collection through Officeworks.

Australia is noted as one of the largest generators of e-waste globally, producing between 20 to 25 kilograms per person annually.

In response, Officeworks has implemented the Bring it Back and Tech Trade-In programmes across its 173 stores nationwide. These programmes provide dedicated stations for returning items such as stationery, batteries, and printer cartridges.

In 2025, the Bring it Back programme expanded to include the repurposing of pre-loved school supplies. These supplies are redistributed through partnerships with organisations such as Stationery Aid, Give Write, and Green Collect. The Tech Trade-In programme allows customers to trade in old phones, laptops, and tablets for gift cards, in collaboration with Moorup.

Recycled materials, including copper and steel, are processed by ANZ RP, while plastics are handled by Close the Loop to create new products.

Mathew Ashton, Store Manager at the Dee Why location, commented on the store's achievements: "At Officeworks, we are passionate and committed to being People and Planet Positive with key initiatives such as Bring it Back and Tech Trade-in. Our local community in Dee Why is located close to stunning beaches, and we take pride in our responsibility for keeping e-waste and rubbish away from the beaches, oceans and natural areas. It’s thanks to our local community that we can celebrate being the biggest eWaste collection Officeworks store. To think we’ve kept 71 tonnes from landfill in five years and positively recycled is amazing, and we look forward to continuing our efforts along with our customers and local community."

Fiona Lawrie, Head of ESG and Corporate Affairs at Officeworks, highlighted the significance of the programmes. "Through our e-waste programmes, Australians have shown that they want simple, accessible ways to reduce waste and keep valuable resources in circulation. The 12,500 tonnes recycled over the past decade is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when businesses and communities work together."

Lawrie stated, "We’re proud of the difference the Bring it Back initiative and Tech Trade-in Programme is making, not only helping Australians recycle responsibly but also creating community benefits through repurposing programs. We are proud to work with dedicated partners and the role they play in protecting our planet.

"On International eWaste Day, we encourage everyone to look around at the unused tech in their homes and workplaces and bring it in. Together, we strive to continue to empower our customers to repair, reuse and recycle - keeping materials and products in circulation," he said.

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