"We are also continually looking for ways to make it easier and more affordable for people to dispose of their old computers because PCs contain materials like metal, glass and plastic which can and should be recycled and reused."

The Brisbane event, held in conjunction with the Griffith University EcoCentre, offered disposal of all computers or accessories for free recycling. Out of the 10 tons collected Dell found 331 monitors, 287 desktops, 155 printers and 12 notebooks.

Computers older than three years old that cannot be resold are sent to government approved recycling facilities, which prevent 90 percent of product going to landfill.

Any scrap material to be exported for "more efficient disposal" is processed to remove hazardous and toxic material to ensure compliance with government and international conventions.

Griffith University electronic waste expert Sunil Heart said there are more than nine million computers in use around Australia, and this year a further 2.1 million computers will enter the market, while more than three million are expected to become obsolete.