On 1 July, a ban on electronic waste (e-waste) going into landfill will come into effect around Victoria. Murrindindi Shire residents will be able to recycle their e-waste at participating local Resource Recovery Centres. Council is calling on everyone to make sure they recycle their e-waste rather than throwing it in the bin.
E-waste is anything with a plug or battery that has reached the end of its useful life – think mobile phones, computers, audio devices, hair dryers, TVs, heaters, air-conditioners, refrigerators and other white goods. E-waste contains valuable resources that can be reused, as well as some nasty materials that are bad for the environment if not properly handled.
Murrindindi Shire Environment Portfolio Councillor, Rebecca Bowles said thanks to funding from Sustainability Victoria, Council will be upgrading infrastructure at the Alexandra and Kinglake Resource Recovery Centres (RRCs) to meet the growing volumes of e-waste expected once the ban comes into effect. The Yea RRC will be upgraded to sort and recycle e-waste down the track as well.
"Recycling of computers and televisions at participating RRCs will continue to be free of charge as it is subsidised by the 'National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme'. From 1 July though, a small fee of $2 per item will be charged for the disposal of other e-waste. This is to help us meet the significant costs of recycling," Cr Bowles said.
"Sustainability Victoria's e-waste initiative will help Council meet its goals of reducing resource consumption, minimising the amount of waste going into our landfill and strengthening the environmental sustainability of our communities.
"Ultimately we want to see e-waste being reprocessed and made into sustainable end products here in Australia. Council will continue its advocacy efforts to state and federal government to support this.
"Separating and recycling e-waste from landfill-bound waste is something we can all do to reduce the impact our modern, consumption-driven lives have on our environment. Council understands that dropping off your e-waste at one of the participating RRCs will take a little extra time. It's really important that we take these steps now because the amount of e-waste generated by Victorians is projected to hit to some 256,000 tonnes by 2035," Cr Bowles said.
"Council's friendly Resource Recovery Centre staff will be able to help you identify e-waste in your loads and separate it out to be recycled," Cr Bowles added.
