{"id":27703,"date":"2022-10-27T04:09:56","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T04:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=27703"},"modified":"2025-09-09T05:16:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T05:16:55","slug":"problem-of-e-waste-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/problem-of-e-waste-in-australia","title":{"rendered":"The Rising Problem of E-waste in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Over the years, technology has transformed our world and daily lives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Technology is constantly evolving, and the rapid advancement has resulted in everyone’s dependency on the replacement of older devices and gadgets with upgraded ones to accommodate fast-changing new technology.<\/span> As a result, the amount of <\/span>e-waste generated by <\/span>discarding<\/span> obsolete electronics <\/span>is the world’s fastest<\/span>–<\/span>growing waste stream.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

According to the UN, Australia is one of the world’s top producers of e-waste, ranking fifth with <\/span>21.7kg<\/span> of waste per person reported in 2019. <\/span>Our e-waste output is growing 3<\/span><\/span> x times faster than our general waste output. <\/span>Every year, 88<\/span> percent<\/span> of the 4 million computers and 3 million televisions purchased in Australia end up in landfill, contributing to <\/span>over <\/span>140,000 <\/span>tonnes<\/span> of electronic waste.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Problem\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What is E-waste?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

E-waste is defined as any product with a plug, cord, battery, or electronic component that has <\/span>been disc<\/span>arded due to <\/span>its ‘end of life’ or <\/span>obsolescent status<\/span>. I<\/span>t commonly includes laptops, screens, <\/span>kitchen appliances, <\/span>mobile phones, tablets, TV screens, and printers<\/span>.<\/span> Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled<\/span>,<\/span> as they often contain valuable materials like plastic and precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, nickel, zinc, <\/span><\/span>aluminium<\/span><\/span>,<\/span> and copper<\/span>.<\/span> Recycling t<\/span>hese<\/span> materials prevent<\/span><\/span>s<\/span><\/span><\/span> new <\/span>electronics from being <\/span>created using<\/span> new or ‘virgin’ materials.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Why don\u2019t people consider e-waste recycling?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Due to concerns about data loss and perceived high costs, Australian households and businesses do not recycle their outdated computers, tablets, televisions, and printers. <\/span>According to a 2017 Ipsos poll, <\/span>while three-quarters of Australians are aware that their electronic devices can be recycled and reused, only 8 percent actually do so. The study also discovered that 53 percent of Australians are unaware that they can take their <\/span><\/span>electrical <\/span>w<\/span>aste<\/span><\/span> to an e-waste collection <\/span>facility<\/span> to avoid it being disposed of in a landfill.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

With electronic device consumption r<\/span>ising<\/span> all the time, it’s critical that consumers view <\/span><\/span>e-waste recycling<\/span><\/span> as the natural next step in the product lifecycle, especially when it no longer serves <\/span>its<\/span> purpose<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What can you do about e-waste?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You can reduce the amount of e-waste you produce <\/span>along with<\/span> its environmental impact by being more mindful of where it ends up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Re<\/span>cycle<\/span><\/span><\/h3>

Recycling e-waste<\/span><\/span> is just as important as recycling any other waste stream. If properly managed, 90-95 percent of e-waste components can be easily recycled. It’s time to recycle your device if it has no resale value and has stopped working. Recycling your old electronics reduces the demand for raw materials used in the development of new technology. This has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact on our landfills, <\/span>while lowering <\/span>carbon emissions, pollution, and contamination<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Invest in Energy Star Rated Appliances<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>

The Environmental Protection Agency has an Energy Star Program that provides rebates when old appliances are recycled and new Energy Star models are purchased. Energy Star appliances are not only environmentally friendly, but also uses less electricity, saving you money on your electric bill.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Donate or <\/span>S<\/span>ell<\/span><\/span><\/h3>

Donating or selling working electronics helps in the reduction of e-waste. Electronics contain hazardous chemicals that, if not properly disposed of, can pollute the environment. When you donate or sell working electronics, you ensure that the hazardous chemicals are properly recycled and do not end up <\/span>polluting<\/span> the environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Repair <\/span>Y<\/span>our Electronics<\/span><\/span><\/h3>

People frequently discard and replace broken electronics rather than having them repaired.<\/span> Contact the device’s manufacturer or retail store for assistance in repairing the device using one of their service <\/span>centres<\/span> or an <\/span>authorised<\/span> service provider.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Look for <\/span>E<\/span>–<\/span>waste R<\/span>ecycling<\/span> Facilitie<\/span>s<\/span><\/span><\/h3>

To help reduce <\/span><\/span>electronic waste<\/span><\/span>, look into your state’s e-cycling <\/span>centres<\/span>. <\/span>B<\/span>y recycling your ‘end of life’ electronic waste, you are helping to reduce landfill and creating a more sustainable environment.<\/span> The Australian government has funded the <\/span><\/span>N<\/a>ational Television and<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span> Computer<\/span> Recycling Scheme<\/span><\/a> (NT<\/span>C<\/span>RS), which allows you to recycle electronic waste for free.<\/span> You can also<\/span> visit <\/span>the <\/span>Planet Ark <\/span><\/span>Product stewardship schemes<\/span><\/span><\/a> to look out for recycling <\/span>program<\/span>s near you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Australia is one of the world’s top producers of e-waste, ranking fifth with 21.7kg of waste per person.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":27704,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2121,62],"tags":[2571,1676,2559,2562,2567,2555,2554,2561,2558,2560,2570,2568,2566,164,2556,2563,2569,2564,2573,165,2565,2572,1142],"class_list":["post-27703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-education","category-social-responsibility","tag-e-cycling-solutions","tag-e-waste","tag-e-waste-generation","tag-e-waste-management","tag-e-waste-problem-in-australia","tag-e-waste-recycling","tag-electrical-waste","tag-electronic-devices","tag-electronic-products","tag-electronic-waste-disposal","tag-ewaste-drop-off","tag-hazardous-waste","tag-problem-of-e-waste","tag-recycling","tag-recycling-e-waste","tag-recycling-programs","tag-recycling-waste","tag-reduce-e-waste","tag-save-resources","tag-sustainability","tag-upcycle-waste","tag-waste-generation","tag-zero-waste"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27703"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52884,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27703\/revisions\/52884"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}