Our old tech – bringing the community together

Posted on: October 14, 2025

In today’s fast-paced tech world, as new devices are released and replaced, older electronics that still have plenty of life often end up forgotten in drawers, or worse, the bin! As electronics and electrical items have become essential to the lives of most Australians, e-waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in Western Australia. With e-waste no longer destined for the dump, the importance of local refurbishment and recycling legends has never been greater. This International E-Waste Day, find out more about these organisations that not only keep valuable resources out of landfill but support community learning and connection too.

1. Sam's Spares

Sam’s Spares is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to giving new life to discarded electronics. After repairing and refurbishing these old computers, laptops, and phones, they are distributed back into the community for reuse. Through their Peer Partner Network, the pre-loved devices reach individuals who might otherwise lack access to such resources. Their work not only prevents e-waste from ending up in landfills but also supports education and access to technology for underprivileged communities. Founder Samuel Thomas’s achievements were celebrated when he was awarded the 2023 WasteSorted Waste Champion.

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2. Technology for Ageing & Disability WA (TADWA)

TADWA specialises in adapting and refurbishing technology to assist the elderly and people with disabilities. TADWA collects Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment from government, corporate and academic organisations for its Community Re-use and Recycling Program. Donated equipment is refurbished and then used to assist people with a wide range of needs, from older people, those with disabilities and their carers, people experiencing financial hardship or domestic violence situations, through to community service organisations and international humanitarian aid. Items that have reached their end-of-life are dismantled and recycled. By repurposing old electronics, they create customised solutions that improve the quality of life for their clients, while also reducing e-waste.

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3. Wanneroo Men's Shed

Whilst many Men’s Sheds across the nation are likely to be filled with woodworking equipment, metalworking gear and plenty of friendly faces, the Wanneroo Men’s Shed in Perth’s northern suburbs swaps welders for tiny screwdrivers to focus on the repair and refurbishment of electronics. Providing a welcome space for men to come together, share skills, and work on projects that benefit the community, the Wanneroo Men’s Shed has spent 15 years refurbishing and recycling computers. Once refurbished under the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher program, devices are for sale at affordable prices, to Centrelink recipients, charity organisations and non-profit organisations.

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4. Hello Initiative

With new models of smartphone being released annually, it’s likely you’ve upgraded your still functional mobile for the latest and greatest option, before tucking your old model away in the junk drawer. The Hello Initiative's Mobile Support Program is putting the call o ut for these unused devices. The program connects young people in the WA criminal system with a refurbished smartphone, allowing them to not only meet the requirements of their community-based supervision orders, but also connect with family networks, professional supports and crisis services. Find out how to remove your data and prepare your phone for donation here: Donate a Phone | Hello Initiative.

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5. Total Green Recycling

Tech beyond repairing? Total Green Recycling is a leader in e-waste recycling, offering comprehensive services to ensure that electronic waste is processed responsibly. They dismantle and recycle old electronics, recovering valuable materials (like glass, gold, silver and copper) and preventing harmful substances (such as mercury, lead and cadmium) from polluting the environment. If you’ve ever dropped off e-waste to your nearest drop-off location, chances are that Total Green Recycling’s facility in the south of Perth is its next destination. Find out more about the team behind the organisation hereand read our case study at How Total Green Recycling Is Impacting WA.