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 2020 reported that e-waste (discarded products with a battery or plug such as computers and mobile phones) increased by 21 per cent in the five years to 2019 and predicted that by 2030, it will be almost double the 2014 figure, fuelled by higher consumption rates, shorter lifecycles and limited repair options.

The Problem

  • 88% of the 4 million computers and 3 million TV's purchased in Australia every year will end up in landfill - this contributes to the 140,000+ tonnes of electronic waste generated by Australians every year
  • Fewer than 1% of TVs and around 10% of PCs and laptops are recycled Australia wide
  • E-waste is responsible for 70% of the toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury found in landfill - and 23,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions would be saved if half of the televisions discarded annually were recycled 
  • Electronic rubbish is growing at three times the rate of any other waste stream
  • Discarded devices are piling up around the world at a rate of 40 million per year
  • 98% 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?

Check out the top actions you can take today! 

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