Just 17 percent of the once-cherished items are recycled, according to Federal Government estimates, leaving useful materials and hazardous substances alike filling rubbish dumps.
It’s an issue that, when combined with our love of new technology, has seen electronic waste grow at triple the rate of other types of garbage.
But a new national scheme plans to turn the trend around and convert broken tube TVs into everything from glass bottles to park benches.
The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme will come into place on July 1, offering consumers a way to recycle old TVs, PCs and even computer peripherals free.
Panasonic Australia managing director Steve Rust says the scheme has been many years in the making, after a group of TV makers came together in 2002 to lobby for its introduction.
“I’m surprised how long it did take to get the Government behind it, but when they did get behind it they made it happen very quickly,” he says.
“Consumers have been waiting for a long time for a scheme like this that makes it easier to recycle.”
The national scheme will require TV and computer makers and importers to set up collection points around Australia and organise collection drives to encourage more e-waste recycling.
More than 98 per cent of the population is expected to receive “reasonable access” to these recycling schemes.
In the first year of the scheme, the Government has asked companies to boost recycling levels to 30 per cent, with that target rising to 80 per cent in 10 years.
The Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform is a government-approved group that will run the scheme, and general manager Carmel Dollisson says she expects an influx of old TVs dropped off for recycling when collections begin, with many being “hoarded in garages and cupboards” around the country.
Source: Herald Sun
By Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson