Green Action of the Month
Dust off those old gadgets and get recycling
We know you’re an eager recycler but have you ever wondered what happens to those much-loved items, TVs or computers we leave lying around the house, in the bin or on the nature strip?
The truth is that while we’re recycling more than we used to (double the amount of 15 years ago), we're also buying more stuff, so the amount of waste we send to landfill has remained the same. With over 90 percent of old electronic e-waste now ending up in landfill we are fuelling a toxic legacy for future generations. So while we love our gizmos and gadgets, it’s important that we dispose of them correctly.
With the introduction of a proper e‐waste recycling program now in force, we’ll be saving close to 560 million items from Australian landfills by 2020. Under this scheme, manufacturers would take responsibility for collecting and recycling their products once the consumer is finished with them. It’s self-funding, makes recycling easy and is totally brilliant.
So why don’t you dust off that old TV hidden away in the garage or shabby computer lying on the study floor and keep it handy for when the recycling scheme comes into place. You’ll be able to return it to the place you bought it from, drop it at a designated spot or give it to your local council’s collection service.
Even if you don’t have a gizmo to get rid of, you might be thinking about buying a flashy new plasma now that digital TV is on it’s way. We’re big fans of turning old stuff into new, but if you simply can’t find another way to go digital, a good rule of thumb is the smaller the better. All new TVs are more energy efficient, but buying a TV that’s four times the size of your old one, means you lose that benefit. (Of course, if you choose to convert your old TV instead, the environment will love you for it).
So, what’s next?
As the details of the scheme are yet to be finalised, we’ll need to keep an eye on this.
What we do know is that it will be fully operational by 2011 with hundreds of drop-off centres all around the country. Once this happens there’ll be no excuse for not recycling TVs and computers. So we think that state governments should ban this material from going to landfill.
South Australia is leading the way on this issue and has already got regulations in train. If you want the Victorian Government to do their bit, we need you to inundate our political leaders with messages, letting them know that the community is serious about dealing with landfill.
Let’s start with the State Minister for Environment, Gavin Jennings MLC
You don't have to wait for the new scheme to start recycling
If your computer has conked out officially reaching the end of its life, why don’t you dispose of it at a Byteback location. Both individuals and businesses can deposit unwanted computer equipment for recycling - for free. Score! This recycling scheme is expected to run until the end of 2009 so get in quick.
As for your mobile phones and fandangly accessories, you can recycle them at through the MobileMuster. They’ve made it super easy for you. Simply drop your phone and accessories off at one of the 3,500 collection points Australia wide or pick up your free recycling satchel at a participating Australia Post outlet.
How good does that feel.
And don't stop there. Did you take the Green Action of the Month? What did you find out? What tips and ideas do you have for others...
Tell us about it in the comments section!
Comments
TVs
Is there anywhere that will currently recycle TVs. I have one at home in the shed which I am loathed to send to landfill
No, unfortunately not! But
No, unfortunately not! But the day is not far away so keep it handy for when the e-waste recycling scheme comes into force. By 2011 there will be hundreds of drop-off centres around the country. And local councils are even getting involved by providing a collection service.. oh so handy!
Wow I didn't realise the
Wow I didn't realise the computer recycling scheme wrapped up so soon. Definately adding that one to the spring clean up list! Thanks for keeping me in the loop
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