New rules on e-waste pending

New laws on e-waste are being introduced to protect our environment and recover more precious resources. The Victorian Government is banning all e-waste from landfill from 1 July 2019, e-waste will no longer be accepted in any household bin.

E-waste is 'electronic waste' and refers to any item with a plug, battery or cord that's no longer working or wanted - from old TVs, computers, air-conditioners, appliances such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners and toys with batteries. In Australia e-waste is growing three times faster than general waste. 

East Gippsland Shire Council encourages everyone to understand the new rules introduced by the Victorian Government.

Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said to prepare the community, e-waste can be disposed of free of charge during the month of June 2019 only. 

“There will be a cost associated for e-waste disposal after July 1, and all e-waste items will need to be dropped off at your nearest landfill or transfer station collection point,” Cr O’Connell said.

“Televisions and computers will still be accepted at the Bairnsdale waste facility for free under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.

“There’s a better place for e-waste than your rubbish bin. It’s much better going to a place where we can recover the precious materials to be reused and capture the nasty bits before they can do harm.”

 “Electronics are stripped for recyclable components, reducing the amount of material that enters landfill where toxic metals such as lead and mercury can remain in the environment,” Cr O’Connell said.

The amount of e-waste generated in Victoria is projected to increase from 109,000 tonnes in 2015 to approximately 256,000 tonnes in 2035.