As reported by Computerworld Australia in June, Dell Australia and New Zealand managing director Joe Kremer said governments and retailers need to cooperate in establishing a national recycling campaign.

"Industry, retailers, government and consumers all have a role to play in reducing e-waste and we have actively supported the move towards a national recycling scheme led by the Australian Information Industry Association," Kremer said.

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.

"With that amount of computers becoming redundant, it is important that electronic equipment is recycled or reused wherever possible," Heart said.

Byteback, a long-term recycling initiative between Sustainability Victoria, the City of Boroondara, HP and two environmental companies, allows Victorian residents and businesses to recycle IT equipment free of charge.