E Waste
Millions of electronic devices like televisions, computers and mobile phones are discarded in Australia every year. In fact, e-waste is the fastest-growing component of the municipal solid waste stream.
The Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 reported that the annual generation of e-waste is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, on track to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, a further 33% increase from the 2022 figure of 62 million tonnes (Mt).
The Problem
Globally
- The world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
- In 2022, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated globally.
- The quantity of e-waste generated globally in 2022 would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, which is roughly enough trucks to form a bumper-to-bumper line around the equator.
In Australia
- In Australia, 511,000 tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2019. That means the average Australian produced 20 kg of e-waste, compared with the global average of 7 kg.
- By 2030 the national total e-waste generation is projected to rise by nearly 30%, to 657,000 tonnes.
- We only recover a third of the total value of the materials in the e-waste we generate. This means in 2019 alone, Australians sent $430 million worth of materials to landfill along with their e-waste.
- E-waste is responsible for 70% of the toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury found in landfill.
- More than 90% of the components in your computer or television can be fully recycled.
E-waste can cause serious environmental problems due to toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and arsenic that pollute our soil and water and disrupt our ecosystems and our health.
What can you do?
List of Services
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Reduce
The best way to reduce e-waste is to reduce the technology you purchase. e-waste has become a major concern owing to rapidly changing technology, the rise of disposable income, and availability of electronic products. But do you really need the latest phone model or three TVs?
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RecycleList Item 1
IKEA, Office Works, Australia Post, Century and many local libraries have drop off boxes for items such as light globes, ink cartridges and batteries.
Computers and other electronic waste can be collected by a number of different organisations. See below to learn more.
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Mobile PhonesList Item 3
MobileMuster transforms the components from mobile phone waste into valuable materials for reuse. It means that fewer raw materials need to be extracted and processed to make new products. By recycling your mobile phone today you will be helping reduce the impact on the environment of tomorrow.
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National TV & Computer Recycling Scheme
In 2011 the Australian Government introduced a national, industry funded, recycling scheme that prevents millions of old TVs and computers from being sent to landfill.
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Learn How to Repair
Some brands of modern electronic devices are only meant to last for a few years under regular use before failing. However, along with maintaining your electronic devices by cleaning them regularly to help them last for longer, you could also learn how to fix hardware problems on your device. Nowadays, there are also many Youtube videos teaching you how to fix a broken laptop or do a phone screen replacement yourself. Many times, all it takes is a bit of time and patience before your gadget is good as new!
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Buy Energy Star rated electronics
Investing in environmental friendly electronics have interdependent benefits.
A high Energy Star rated device consumes less energy, reducing your electricity bill significantly. In addition, because less energy is required, it keeps a check on resource (energy) depletion by avoiding over-utilization. It indirectly saves the environment by reducing the load on resources’ (energy) extraction and depletion.
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How Will You Step Up?
We're calling on you to Step Up and make a pledge towards reducing your waste contribution! Could you Step Up by saying no to straws? To bringing your own waterbottle? To composting? To buying recycled, to choosing not to buy fast fashion or refusing to purchase fruit and vegetables pre-wrapped in plastic?
There are so many ways to Step Up! And thousands of small steps together, make a big difference! Together we can all be part of the solution.
More Actions You Can Take
Buy Recycled
We need to purchase products made with recycled materials to create a market for the material we recycle.
