The shift from free-to-air TV to streaming services has left a trail of obsolete set-top boxes, PVRs, and older streaming devices across Australian households. Meanwhile, the streaming device market itself moves fast, with older Chromecast dongles, Apple TVs, and Roku boxes being replaced by newer versions. All of these devices need proper recycling when they reach end of life.
Types of Devices in This Category
Digital set-top boxes were once essential for receiving free-to-air digital TV. With most modern TVs having built-in digital tuners, standalone set-top boxes are increasingly redundant. Older Foxtel set-top boxes (iQ series, MyStar) are also being retired as the service transitions to streaming via Foxtel’s apps.
PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) like the Foxtel iQ, Fetch TV, and various free-to-air PVRs contain hard drives that store recorded content and potentially programme guide data. The hard drive is the main data and recycling consideration.
Streaming devices include Apple TV, Chromecast (all generations), Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Nvidia Shield, and Telstra TV. These range from simple HDMI dongles to more powerful media centres. They store your streaming account credentials, Wi-Fi passwords, and viewing history.
Foxtel and pay TV equipment is often leased. If your Foxtel set-top box is leased, you need to return it to Foxtel rather than recycling it yourself. Check your account terms before disposing of any pay TV equipment.
Data on Set-Top Boxes and Streaming Devices
These devices store more personal data than most people realise:
Streaming account credentials for Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Binge, Paramount+, and any other services you have logged into. If someone gains access to your device, they can access your streaming accounts and potentially your payment information.
Wi-Fi passwords are stored by every connected device and could provide network access to anyone who extracts them.
Viewing history and preferences might seem harmless, but they can reveal personal interests and habits you may prefer to keep private.
PVR recordings on hard drive-based devices may contain recorded content, but more importantly, the hard drive may store channel configuration data and electronic programme guide information.
How to Clear Data
Apple TV: Go to Settings, System (or General), Reset, then Reset All Settings (or Restore, which is more thorough). Sign out of your Apple ID first.
Chromecast: Factory reset by pressing and holding the button on the device for approximately 25 seconds until the light begins flashing. Remove the device from your Google Home app.
Amazon Fire TV: Go to Settings, My Fire TV (or Device), then Reset to Factory Defaults. Deregister from your Amazon account.
PVRs and set-top boxes: Check the settings menu for a factory reset option. This typically clears recordings, settings, and any stored credentials.
Recycling Options
Council e-waste drop-off points accept set-top boxes and streaming devices at transfer stations. These small electronics are straightforward to recycle.
Professional e-waste recyclers accept these devices alongside other IT equipment.
Manufacturer programs: Apple accepts Apple TV for recycling through their trade-in program. Google has recycling options for Chromecast in some markets. Check manufacturer websites for current options.
Donation: Working streaming devices can be useful for people who have a TV but have not made the transition to streaming. Community organisations, aged care facilities, and some charities may welcome a working Apple TV or Chromecast. Factory reset before donating.
PVRs: The Hard Drive Inside
PVRs and some high-end set-top boxes contain traditional hard disk drives ranging from 250GB to 2TB. While these drives primarily store TV recordings, they are still data-bearing devices that should be handled accordingly.
If you are privacy-conscious, you can remove the hard drive from the PVR before recycling and either wipe it or destroy it separately. For most consumers, a factory reset of the PVR is sufficient, as the data stored is typically TV recordings rather than personal documents.
The hard drive itself is a recyclable component containing aluminium platters, neodymium magnets, copper coil, and a circuit board. It is one of the most valuable individual components in a PVR for materials recovery.
What Is Inside These Devices?
Simple streaming dongles (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick) contain a processor, RAM, flash storage, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, an HDMI connector, and a plastic housing. They are small but still warrant e-waste recycling.
Set-top boxes and PVRs are larger and contain more substantial circuit boards, a power supply, hard drives (in PVRs), cooling fans (in some models), and sometimes a card reader for pay TV smart cards. The metal chassis and copper-heavy power supply make them more valuable for materials recovery than streaming dongles.
Remote controls should be included in your e-waste disposal. Remove batteries (recycle separately) and include the remote with the device. Remotes contain a circuit board, infrared LED or Bluetooth radio, and a plastic housing.
For the complete guide to recycling all types of electronics, see our guide to e-waste recycling in Australia.
EWV helps Victorian businesses manage e-waste and IT asset disposal compliantly and sustainably — including collection, certified data destruction, and recycling. Contact us for a free quote.