We're eWasting the planet

The costs for recycling electronic equipment far outweighs the financial returns from the contained materials.

Product Stewardship is the Government’s focus for solving Australia’s growing eWaste problem.

The National Waste Policy Implementation Plan discussed at the Environmental Protection Heritage Council’s meeting in Darwin earlier this month had Product Stewardship framework as a top waste priority for 2011.

But what does Product Stewardship involve? And how does it propose to solve the eWaste problem?

The Government approved Product Stewardship scheme is being constructed by the government and will be financed by the manufacturers. Manufacturers will be required to pay an import licence when bringing these goods into the country to cover the costs of recycling. As part of this, television and computer importers will be required to have a recycling program in place that will ensure the proper disposal of electronic waste.

It is also important to note that the costs for recycling of electronic equipment far outweigh the financial return from the contained materials. As such, it is argued that the costs for the recycling electronics will eventually be passed on to the consumer as the manufacturers seek to maximise profits.

In addition, the scheme does not solve the problem of the already purchased computers and televisions in homes and offices across the country. In the interim the consumer and - now more commonly - local governments will foot the bill for the recycling of these items. Corporate, businesses and the general public can utilise Buyequip for the environmental disposal of electronic waste.

Along with manufacturers and governments, individuals as consumers also need to take some responsibility for their purchases of electronic equipment. Reduce your environmental impact by sourcing recycling or reuse avenues for your computers or televisions, a small recycling fee now will prevent long term expenses in the future.