Australians are being urged to help set a new world record for the most e-waste collected for recycling between 20 and 28 April 2013 to tackle what is thought to be the nation’s fastest growing waste problem.
TechCollect, a new recycling program for old computers, printers and televisions, is driving this free recycling initiative to recycle these products responsibly and keep them out of landfill.
The TechCollect program builds upon the success of established initiatives where manufacturers take responsibility for the products they create such as ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’ and MobileMuster with which Australians have been recycling for years.
“90% of all computers and TVs can be recycled and made into new products, but unfortunately only 10-17% of Australia’s e-waste has been recycled,” said TechCollect chief executive officer Carmel Dollisson. “We want to encourage all Australians to de-clutter their homes by pulling out those old TV sets from the shed, plus old computers and printers from storage, to help TechCollect keep e-waste out of landfill.”
About 16.8 million TV sets, computers, printers and related accessories are disposed of each year in Australia, which equates to 106,000 tonnes of e-waste. The problem is growing, with the quantity of televisions and computers reaching the end of their useful life expected to hit 181,000 tonnes or 44 million units by 2027/28 .
TechCollect is funded by over 60 of Australia’s leading technology companies who are committed to recycling responsibly and which is why it is a free recycling service for households and small businesses.
“Electronic waste, like TV and computers, contain both valuable and toxic materials that need to be recycled to the highest environmental standards,” said Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko. “PlanetArk is working with TechCollect because we believe it is committed to setting the standard for responsible e-waste recycling.”
TechCollect is making it easy for everyone to get involved through its 65 permanent drop-off sites that are open year-round in communities across Australia, run in partnership with local councils and waste management companies.
“No matter if you’re a household, school, charity or small business, you can get involved and recycle responsibly to keep e-waste out of landfill,” says Dollisson.
Residents can simply drop-off e-waste to a TechCollect site between 20 and 28 April for free recycling to help set a new world record – visit techcollect.com.au for locations and opening hours.
TechCollect accepts any make and model of computers and accessories, printers or TVs but cannot accept microwaves, power tools or whitegoods. You can find recycling options for these and other items by visiting PlanetArk’s website recyclingnearyou.com.au. (146)
