E-Waste

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If it’s got a plug, battery or cord and is unwanted, it’s e-waste. From old phones, computers and household appliances to power tools and toys.

E-waste is full of valuable resources we can reuse, as well as some nasty materials that are bad for the environment. From 1 July 2019, the Victorian Government have banned e-waste from going to landfill. Rather than putting it in the bin and sending it to landfill, we should take e-waste to a designated drop-off point for recycling.

WHAT IS E-WASTE?

E-waste could be any of a whole range of items from work, home or even the garden shed. It includes:

• Large and small household appliances (fridges, irons, kettles, hair dryers)

• IT, telecommunication and TV equipment (computers and their accessories, tablets, mobile phones, TVs)

• Lighting (LEDs) Note we do not accept fluorescent light tubes

• Electrical and electronic tools (drills, lawnmowers)

• Toys, leisure and sport equipment (race cars,hand-held video games, musical equipment)

• Other e-waste (medical devices, thermostats)

WHY RECYCLE IT?

There are many reasons why you should recycle e-waste.

It’s good for the environment.

All e-waste products can contain hazardous materials. Ranging from heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium to ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) and flame retardants.

Even in small amounts, these dangerous chemicals can cause environmental contamination.

It’s good to recover and reuse

E-waste also contains a whole range of valuable materials, including tin, nickel, zinc, aluminium, copper, silver, gold and plastic. These valuable materials are lost when sent to landfill.

Keep it out of landfill.

In 2016, 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide. Of this enormous figure, only about 20 per cent. The rest ended up in landfill. Hazardous and precious metals aside, this huge volume of ‘stuff’ we’re trying to hide underground is not sustainable. When you think about all the other rubbish that goes to landfill, keeping e-waste out is a much smarter idea. 

WHERE DO I TAKE IT?

While you can’t put your e-waste in your home rubbish or recycling bin, you can take it to one of many different locations around the area to recycle it including Corangamite Regional Landfill or at one of the Council's transfer stations.

WHERE DOES OUR E-WASTE GO?

E-waste collected at council transfer stations is currently collected and processed by Western District Employment Access (WDEA). WDEA is a community based, not for profit organisation that has been an industry leader in helping people with a disability find employment since 1989.

For more information, visit Recycle e-waste | Sustainability Victoria

 

Interesting Facts

  • 99% of your mobile phone can be recycled and re-used
  • 1 in 5 Australians admit to hoarding their old electronic devices
  • Electronic waste is growing up to three times faster than general municipal waste.
  • E-waste is more than 95 per cent recyclable. For example, old mobile phones can be recycled to make stainless steel goods, new batteries and even plastic fence posts. 

 

 

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