E-waste is the fastest-growing component of the municipal solid waste stream.
Millions of electronic devices like televisions, computers and mobile phones are discarded in Australia every year.
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).
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.
Check out the top actions you can take today:
The best way to reduce e-waste is to reduce the amount of tech you purchase. E-waste has become a major concern owing to rapidly changing technology, the rise of disposable income, and availability of electronic products. Do you really need the latest phone model or three TVs?
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 recycled by a number of different organisations.
Use Recycle Mate to find your nearest e-waste recycler.
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.
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.
Some brands of modern electronic devices are only meant to last for a few years under regular use before failing. Other devices can be repaired at your local repairer. Consider checking out your closest repair café.
To help your electronic devices last longer, it’s a good idea to conduct regular maintenance and clean them regularly. You can also learn how to fix common hardware issues yourself – Youtube is a great resources for steps on you how to fix a broken laptop or replace a phone screen yourself. With a bit of time and patience, you can often get your gadget looking and working like new again.
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-utilisation. It indirectly saves the environment by reducing the load on resources’ (energy) extraction and depletion.
