Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Millions of Australian computers became due for replacement almost overnight. If you’re in Melbourne and need to get rid of an old computer, Ewastec offers free drop-off and collection services that make the process simple, legal and secure. This guide walks through exactly what to do, one step at a time.
Is it illegal to put a computer in the bin in Victoria?
Yes, it is illegal to put a computer in your household bin in Victoria. This rule has applied since 2019, according to the Victorian Government. The ban covers anything with a plug, battery or cord, including computers, laptops and monitors. Councils and waste facilities can reject bins that contain e-waste.
Why does computer disposal matter more than ever in 2026?
Computer disposal has become a bigger issue because Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Around 6 million computers in Australia needed to move to Windows 11 or be replaced, according to ABC News.
Many of those computers can’t make the switch, even if their owners want to keep them. Windows 11 needs hardware that older computers often don’t have. According to Microsoft, a computer needs:
- A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) security chip running version 2.0
- A newer, compatible processor (CPU)
- Secure Boot support, which only allows trusted software from the manufacturer to start the computer
An older computer is likely to be missing at least one of these. If it can’t meet all three, upgrading isn’t possible, and buying a new computer becomes the only real option now that Windows 10 support has ended.
Up to 12,000 tonnes of those computers could end up in landfill if they aren’t recycled properly. Australia already generates about 500,000 tonnes of e-waste every year, and only around half of it gets recycled, according to the federal government’s national waste and resource recovery report.
What should you do before disposing of a computer?
Back up your files before you do anything else. This includes photos, documents, saved passwords and anything else you don’t want to lose. Deleting a file does not actually erase it — the data is often still recoverable. We explain why in Are Deleted Files Really Gone?
Should a business, school or government office dispose of computers differently to a household?
Yes, larger organisations usually need a more structured process. A single household computer just needs backing up and dropping off. A business, school, council or government office is usually clearing multiple devices at once, which often means reconciling an asset register and keeping documentation for audit or compliance purposes. Our certified e-waste recycling guide explains what certification involves, sector by sector.
What happens to the data on a computer before it’s disposed of?
Your hard drive needs to be securely destroyed before your computer is recycled. A standard delete or factory reset does not guarantee your data is gone — full detail is in Are Deleted Files Really Gone? For most home and business computers, Ewastec manually removes the hard drive and destroys it completely using an on-site shredding machine. If your situation specifically requires a certificate confirming your data was wiped rather than destroyed, Ewastec also provides certified data wiping with documentation for your records.
Should you drop off your computer or book a collection?
It depends on how much you have to dispose of. The table below breaks down the two options.
| Drop-off | Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Quoted, based on volume and access |
| Best for | A single computer or small household clear-out | Multiple devices, offices, schools, government sites |
| Where/when | Ewastec’s Seaford facility, Monday–Thursday 8am–4pm, Friday 8am–3:30pm | Businesses, schools, councils and government sites across Melbourne |
| What affects the price | N/A | Volume and type of e-waste, ground floor vs. upstairs, and whether items are palletised or loaded individually |
Get in touch to arrange a collection or request a quote.
What happens to a computer after Ewastec collects it?
Ewastec manually disassembles each computer rather than shredding it whole. Manual disassembly enables a greater recovery of valuable materials such as copper, gold, steel etc. It’s also the work performed through Ewastec’s Disability Labour Program with Connecting 2 Ability. Read more on our computer recycling page.
Do you collect from businesses, schools and government offices, or only households?
Yes, Ewastec collects from businesses, schools, councils and government-owned facilities, as well as households.
Do you get proof that a computer was disposed of properly?
Yes, Ewastec provides a certificate of destruction for hard drives that are shredded. A certificate specifically confirming your data was wiped is also available if your situation requires it, along with general recycling documentation. Any of these are useful if your organisation needs a record for audit, compliance or internal reporting.
Make computer disposal simple, legal and secure
Disposing of a computer safely comes down to a few simple steps: back up your files, take your data seriously, and choose drop-off or collection depending on how much you have. Ewastec makes each of those steps straightforward, whether you’re clearing out one laptop at home or a full office of ageing PCs after the Windows 10 shutdown.
Ready to dispose of an old computer? Reach out to arrange a collection or request a quote.
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