All Australians can now recycle their unwanted e-waste for free, with a National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme available in every state and territory, the government announced in a statement Friday.

The scheme was officially launched in Tasmania Thursday, coinciding with the one year anniversary of the first services being made available in Canberra in 2012.

Householders and small businesses are now able to drop off their unwanted TVs and computer products to be recycled in several service locations, free of charge.

"There are now over 380 ongoing recycling services available across Australia -- including 15 in Tasmania," said Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Amanda Rishworth.

"With services now operating in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart, and the recent rollout of scheme services in the Northern Territory, there are now free recycling drop-off points in every state and territory, and in every capital city."

"Over 20,000 tonnes of unwanted televisions and computers have already been recycled since the scheme started operation in May last year. That's equivalent to the weight of 50 full Boeing 747s, "said Rishworth.

The service will ensure that hazardous materials including lead, mercury and zinc are prevented from entering the environment, and valuable non-renewable resources such as gold and other precious metals will be saved for reuse.

Collection events and ongoing drop-off points will continue to roll out throughout 2013, providing access to free recycling drop off for 97 percent of Australians. Endi

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