End of the line for e-waste

To protect the environment and recover more precious resources, the Victorian Government is banning all e-waste from landfill from July 1. This includes disposing of e-waste in kerbside red-lid bins.

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 June.

“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.”

E-waste includes all end-of-life electronics and electrical items with a plug, battery or cord that are no longer working or wanted - from old televisions, computers, air-conditioners, appliances such as hairdryers, irons, vacuum cleaners and toys with batteries to computer cords, keyboards, headphones, power tools and household batteries.

“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,” Cr O’Connell said.

“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.”

Why will there be a charge for e-waste after July 1?

Council is required to pay for transportation of e-waste to processors and at times storage and extra staff for specific handling of this waste item. While many e-waste items include precious metals that are of value the small amounts that Council collect are worthless compared to the accumulated amount the processors recover from e-waste items that can then be reused to create new items.

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.

To find out more about Council’s e-waste management program, visit our website.