From 1 July 2019, all electronic waste will be banned from landfill and must not be put in any household bin.
For Nillumbik residents, this means all 'e-waste' (items with a plug, cord or battery) must be properly recycled at the Recycling and Recovery Centre in Plenty; through a booked hard waste collection, or at a small e-waste drop-off point.
Mayor Karen Egan said Council is working with Sustainability Victoria to implement the state-wide ban and get people to 'send their e-waste to a better place'.
"E-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste worldwide," she said.
"Australians throw out more than a million mobile phones each year, missing the chance to recover 16 tonnes of copper, 350 kilos of silver and 34 kilos of gold.
"Correctly recycled e-waste will be disassembled, shredded, sorted and reused in everything from fence posts to toys, cables, and of course, new electronics.
"We have an environmentally-conscious community and I ask that all Nillumbik residents do the right thing when the ban comes into effect," Cr Egan said.
With Australians upgrading their technology so frequently, there are more TVs, mobile phones, computers and devices being thrown out than ever before. It is estimated that just for televisions and computers, the amount of e-waste generated in Australia will grow from around 138,000 tonnes in 2012-13 to 223,000 tonnes in 2023-24; an increase of more than 60 per cent.
Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Chair Cr Jane Ashton said improperly stored or discarded e-waste is a disaster waiting to happen.
"Sending e-waste to landfill not only squanders valuable resources that could be recycled; it also puts hazardous materials straight into landfill," she said.
"By correctly recycling e-waste, Nillumbik households can help ensure metal, plastic and glass can be reused, and prevent materials like mercury, lead, arsenic and refrigerants from leaching into soil and groundwater.
"Whether it's unwanted, obsolete or not working, remember to recycle your e-waste correctly. This ban is the best outcome for the environment and the best outcome for our health," Cr Ashton said.
Recycle your e-waste at
- The Recycling and Recovery Centre in Plenty – e-waste of all sizes (disposal of most e-waste is free – charges apply only for air-conditioners, fridges and freezers)
- Through Council's booked hard waste collection (free)
- At a small e-waste drop-off point at Eltham Library, Diamond Valley Library in Greensborough, or the Hurstbridge Hub – only for small items like batteries, cords, chargers and mobile phones (free)
Other e-waste statistics
- 1 in 5 Australians admit to hoarding their old technology
- 95 per cent of e-waste is recyclable
- 70 per cent of toxic chemicals found in landfill come from e-waste
More information: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/e-waste
