An evaluation of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) which was established in 2011 to provide Australian householders and small business with access to industry-funded collection and recycling services for televisions and computers. The NTCRS involves a combination of government regulation and industry action.

The purpose of this evaluation is to: 

• determine the overall quality and effectiveness of the NTCRS
• identify lessons learned and recommend areas for improvement of the NTCRS
• recommend whether NTCRS should expand to include other e-waste products
• identify lessons learned for potential co-regulatory approaches for other (i.e. non e-waste) products
• identify lessons learned for evaluating the effectiveness of other regulations. 

This evaluation uses mixed methods which involved consulting with participants and stakeholders in the NTCRS, and evaluating the Scheme in terms of appropriateness, efficiency, effectiveness and impact, sustainability and improvement. 

Key recommendations

• Prepare a communications strategy, with agreed roles, activities and outcomes, so that stakeholders and the public receive strong, consistent messages about the NTCRS.
• Map and review the existing reporting timelines and associated data collection activities.
• Review whether current service levels provide equitable access to the scheme for consumers in rural, regional and remote locations.
• Increase and enhance oversight of the downstream flow of recycled products.
• Monitoring evaluation, review and improvement processes should be built into the design of a regulatory scheme at the earliest opportunity.