The Victorian government is banning e-waste from landfill from July 1 2019. That means it can not be put in any regular rubbish bin.
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The Victorian Waste Management Association and Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group ran an all day workshop about the ban and regulatory measures at Mercure Ballarat on Tuesday to prepare those who will be affected.
Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group chief executive La Vergne Lehmann said the group was keen to help businesses and other organisations understand their obligations when the ban begins.
We all have a role in dealing with e-waste.
- La Vergne Lehmann
The all-day workshop included presentations on the importance of diverting e-waste from landfill, regulations associated with the ban and the education campaign that will be rolled out across the state and the region.
E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord.
While e-waste is a global issue, it is also a local problem. Australians are among the highest users and disposers of technology. E-waste is growing up to three times faster than general waste.
It is estimated a total of about 109,000 tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2015 in Victoria. This volume is projected to increase to about 256,000 tonnes by 2035.
Ms Lehmann said it was important to keep e-waste out of landfill because it contains valuable materials that can be reused and to prevent hazardous materials from harming the environment or human health.
"We all have a role in dealing with e-waste," she said.
E-waste is more than 95 per cent recyclable. Old mobile phones can be recycled to make stainless steel goods, new batteries and plastic fence posts.
While recycling and recovering materials is important, Sustainability Victoria's e-waste education campaign shares tips to minimise e-waste in the first place, including re-evaluating if you really need a new item or device, and consider buying second-hand.
To support the roll-out of the e-waste ban the Victorian Government is investing $16.5 million to upgrade e-waste collection and storage facilities across the state and deliver an education program to support the ban on e-waste in landfills.
For details on where you can recycle your e-waste and more information, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/campaigns/ewaste.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
