October 14th is International E-waste Day. ANZRP supports International E-Waste Day in Australia and is working to promote e-waste recycling and the benefits of building a circular economy.
The digital transformation of people’s lives spurred on by the COVID pandemic, has led to a dramatic increase in the purchase of ICT devices. Companies bought new technology and devices to facilitate employees working from home. Consumers turned to digital devices to cope with pandemic isolation. Warren Overton, CEO, ANZRP comments, “Living and coping with COVID-19 lockdown restrictions was made possible due to the devices that allowed us to continue working, homeschool our children, stay connected with friends and family, shop online as well as streaming movies, sport and TV shows. The increase in the purchase of these devices, however, will inevitably lead to an increase in the need for their disposal.”
Research highlights how Consumption of game consoles, cell phones, electrical ovens and laptops increased due to COVID-19 adding 0.3 Mt to the consumption of electronic and electrical equipment, and hence future e-waste generation. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte of digital consumer trends in Australia, 26% of respondents purchased a new device as a result of spending more time at home during the pandemic. This is contributing to what is already the fastest growing waste stream in Australia and around the world.
“Everyone has a role to play in changing consumer habits and moving towards a circular economy – from individuals, to SMEs and international organisations”, says Overton. “Once your electronic device reaches its end-of-life, recycling is the next step in the product’s lifecycle. Reusing these valuable resources in the manufacture of new products closes the loop”.
Founded by the WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) Forum, International E-waste Day aims to raise the public profile of responsible e-waste recycling. The theme for this year’s International E-Waste day is “Consumer is the key to Circular Economy!”
“There are so many factors that play a role in making the electronics sector resource efficient and circular. But one thing stands out: as long as citizens don’t return their used, broken gear to officially recognised collection points, or sell it on, or donate it to charity, we will need to continue mining the materials, which is much more damaging for the environment”, says Pascal Leroy, Director General of the WEEE Forum.
“This is why the International E-Waste Day this year will focus on the responsibility we all have, as citizens, to help make the economy circular.” He added.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Everyone has a role to play in changing consumer habits and moving towards a circular economy – from individuals, to SMEs and international organisations.
Once your electronic device reaches its end-of-life, recycling is the next step in the product’s lifecycle. Reusing these valuable resources in the manufacture of new products closes the loop.
TechCollect provides a free, simple, environmentally-responsible solution for individuals. There are over 260 TechCollect drop-off sites around Australia where you can take your old/unused electronics and ensure they are responsibly recycled.
If you are a small business looking for an e-waste recycling solution, call us on 1300 229 837 to see if you qualify for a free pick-up.
DID YOU KNOW?
• 66% of the world’s population is covered by e-waste legislation, however
• 40 million tonnes of e-waste per annum is either placed in landfill, burned or illegally traded.
WE RESPONSIBLY RECYCLE E-WASTE
All e-waste that is dropped off at any TechCollect site is sent directly to our approved recycling partner network in Australia. Our recycling partners:
• ensure at least 90% of all materials recovered from the e-waste we collect and recycle are reintroduced as raw materials in the manufacture of new products
• operate to sound environmental and workplace health and safety standards
We are lobbying for downstream end-markets to be developed in Australia
To encourage a circular economy, we are actively lobbying for the development of local markets for recycling and for the use of recycled materials. We recently submitted our Consultation Paper, responding to the Department of the Environment and Energy’s review of the Product Stewardship Act 2011, under which we operate.
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