Free E-waste disposal at transfer stations

Published on 23 May 2023

With e-waste banned from going to Victorian landfills, Corangamite Shire residents are being reminded to use the free e-waste disposal services at council-operated transfer stations.

E-waste or electronic waste is growing three times faster than any other waste stream.

E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that is no longer working or wanted. It covers a vast range of items from phones and refrigerators to fluorescent light tubes, batteries, drills, computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers, remote controls, televisions, the list goes on.

Council Waste and Sustainability Officer Jessica Maxwell said these items should not go in your rubbish or recycling bin.

“E-waste contains potentially hazardous and valuable materials which do not belong in landfill,” Ms Maxwell said.

“E-waste also contains precious metals that can be recovered and reused.”

Ms Maxwell said just about everything had a battery in it these days, so it was important to make sure they are recycled and treated safely.

Corangamite Shire residents can deposit their old batteries at all Council Transfer Stations at no cost.

Ms Maxwell said batteries may be a hazard in the home as they may degrade and cause a chemical reaction.

“Council has experienced issues where lithium ion batteries disposed into landfill or recycling bins are damaged from being crushed against other materials causing a reaction that leads to a fire.

“Batteries have caused fires in waste collection vehicles and at landfill sites after compaction.

“When batteries are disposed of correctly it reduces contamination of the recyclable material and improves safety.

“This leads to improvement in recycling processes, the recovery of more resources, better recycling outcomes, saving money and a reduction in greenhouse gases,” Ms Maxwell said.

“It saves ratepayers’ money by sending less waste to landfill and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”