Wellington prepares for E-waste ban on 1 July

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Wellington Shire Council is preparing for the State Government’s ban on E-waste in landfills, which comes into effect 1 July.

E-waste is defined as any item that needs a plug or a battery to work.

This means no E-waste can be put into kerbside bins.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall said an astonishing amount of E-waste was generated every year, which contributed 70% of toxic chemicals found in landfills.

“We all love to have the latest gadget, but most of us don’t think about what happens to the item once we are finished with it,” he said.

“In Australia, we generate more than 650,000 tonnes of E-waste annually, with most of it ending up in landfill.

“As a landfill operator, Council must abide by the Government’s new E-waste requirements and we will be doing all we can to help educate the public about where you can dispose of E-waste.”

Wellington residents can continue to drop off their E-waste at our transfer stations at Kilmany, Maffra, Stratford, Yarram, Loch Sport, Heyfield, Seaspray and Dargo during normal operating hours. The E-waste will need to be separated from general waste.

“The main message you need to know, is that E-waste is no longer allowed to be put in your household bins,” Cr Hall said.

“As a consumer, you can also help this cause by thinking twice before buying something new. Can you get your electronic item repaired instead of buying a new one?

“Some retailers will also take your old product for recycling when you purchase a new one.

“Have you tried to find a new home for your item, if it is still in working condition? There are plenty of buy-swap-sell sites in Wellington to choose from.

“Every person needs to start thinking about the waste they generate and how we can all reduce its impact on the environment.”

Examples of e-waste include:

Computers, & monitors, mice, keyboards, printers, faxes Entertainment equipment – TV’s, VCRs, DVD players, remote controls, camera’s, game consoles Mobile phones/telephones • Power tools such as drills, electric mowers, sewing machines, electric mixers Other components including transformers & resistors • Electronic games including computer game consoles Household appliances such as microwaves, toasters, irons, kettles, vacuum cleaners and hairdryers

To learn more about E-waste, visit Sustainability Victoria’s website at www.ewaste.vic.gov.au