Over 1,500 tonnes of e-waste was recycled in 2013, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury has announced.
“From 1 January to 31 December 2013, the Canberra community handed over 1,539 tonnes of televisions and computers for recycling to the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Transfer Stations,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The ACT was the first jurisdiction to implement the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme on 15 May 2012 and it is pleasing to see the community continues to embrace the opportunity to appropriately dispose of unwanted e-waste for free.
“The national scheme is designed to boost recycling rates for televisions and computers and provide a long-term solution to e-waste. This is important as these products make up an increasing part of the overall waste stream, contain valuable materials that can be re-used and contain hazardous materials which need to be managed in a safe manner.
“Since the scheme was introduced, a total of 3,674 tonnes have been recovered, equating to roughly six tonnes of e-waste per day. There has also been a significant drop in illegal dumping of televisions and computers since the scheme commenced.”
Mr Rattenbury said that, in addition to the free e-waste recycling pick up service provided by DHL Supply Chain (Australia) Pty Limited from the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Transfer Stations, a special free e-waste collection event was held during the year to assist with the ACT’s e-waste recycling needs.
“To further assist Canberrans in disposing of unwanted televisions, computers and computer products, a free e-waste collection event was hosted by TechCollect – a nationwide not-for-profit recycling service,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“TechCollect set up two temporary drop-off/collection sites in Canberra – one on the northside and one on the southside – over a weekend in May.
“I encourage Canberrans to keep up the good work throughout 2014 and continue to recycle e-waste appropriately, particularly as disposing of unwanted televisions and computers at the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Transfer Stations is completely free.”
Further information about recycling in the ACT is available at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/.
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