E-waste
E-waste is growing at an astonishing rate, mainly due to the introduction of new technologies. This is concerning as the waste items frequently contain an amount of toxic components. Computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices can contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. The plastic casing and wiring of computer equipment can also contain hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants (a neuro-toxin). If this waste is not recycled and sent to a landfill there is a risk that hazardous substances will pollute our environment by leaching from landfills into surrounding land and waterways.
Every New Zealander creates an average of 19 kilograms of e-waste a year. That's a whopping 89 million kg per annum! Read the linked article on the dangers of e-waste and take steps to reduce yours.
The term e-waste includes: monitor, keyboard, base unit, mouse, printer, scanner, fax, cables, television.
While e-waste is one of the government's priorities for regulated product stewardship, New Zealanders still need to recycle e-waste as conscientiously as possible.
Did you know that 95 percent of a computer can be recycled?! This article describes why we in New Zealand need to do better.
Computers can be expensive items to purchase. Where practical choose a good quality and energy-efficient model. Consider how easily it can be upgraded (for future hardware and software updates). Alternatively you could purchase a pre-loved computer or lease the equipment.
Rather than replacing a broken computer, first see if it can be repaired. Check out Computer Services Agents listed in the Yellow Pages.
On-sell your preloved computer items.
If in good condition, donate to a good cause.
Recycle a Device (RAD) could be the good cause. From their FAQ: "RAD is a nationwide not for profit that tracks down donations of old and outdated laptops and teaches high school students to diagnose and repair issues. Refurbished devices are then gifted to rangatahi who need them for employment, education, connecting with services, and general participation in society, but would otherwise have difficulty accessing them."
Please recycle as much of your e-waste as possible! Here are some options:
Computer equipment and accessories can be recycled at Whanganui Resource Recovery Centre. (Fees apply for some items.)
Technoman, 65 Moana Street, Whanganui East shopping centre, 06 343 8144. Technoman is also our local TechCollect NZ agency.
Grumpy Old Men Enterprises (GOME) takes some e-waste for recycling. Ph Jim on 027 444 7474.