Canberra is set to roll out the country’s first free e-waste recycling service, allowing residents to dispose of their unwanted televisions and computers under a national scheme.

 

“This is the start of a nation-wide roll-out of services as part of an extremely exciting initiative under the Gillard Government’s landmark Product Stewardship legislation. Services like these will be rolled out across Australia, boosting television and computer recycling rates to 30 percent in 2012-13 and 80 per cent by 2021-22, providing a long-term solution to television and computer waste,” Minister for Sustainability Senator Don Farrell said.

 

“Televisions and computers contain valuable non-renewable resources, including gold and other precious metals, as well as hazardous materials including lead, bromine, mercury and zinc. By recycling them, we can recover useful materials and at the same time reduce health and environmental risks.”

 

From the middle of May, DHL Supply Chain will be providing the free, ongoing service for households and small businesses.

 

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the implementation of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme was an example of Canberra continuing to lead the way in recycling and waste management.

 

The DHL Supply Chain services will begin on 15 May 2012 and will operate from the Mugga Lane and Mitchell Transfer Stations, which are open from 7.30am to 5pm, seven days a week.

 

The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme is funded and implemented by the television and computer industry and regulated by the Australia Government under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and the Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulation 2011.

 

Further information on the scheme can be found atwww.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/index.html