Media Release
Monday, 13 May 2013
Free e-waste recycling available all year-round
The disposal of e-waste is quickly becoming one of Australia’s fastest growing waste
problems.
According to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities, about 16.8 million TVs, computers, printers and related accessories are
disposed of each year in Australia, which equates to around 106,000 tonnes of e-waste.
Around 90 per cent of all computers and TVs can be recycled and made into new products but
currently only around 17 per cent of Australia’s e-waste being recycled.
Moonee Valley Mayor, Cr Narelle Sharpe, said it’s a common misconception that recycling ewaste is costly.
“Council provides a free, permanent TechCollect e-waste drop-off point at our Transfer Station,
where anyone can recycle their TVs, computers and computer accessories free of charge all
year round,” said Cr Sharpe.
“People also often don’t realise that they can recycle their television sets free of charge as a
part of this service.”
“In addition, we have a MobileMuster collection station, where people can drop-off their old
mobile phones, batteries and chargers to be recycled for free.”
Council’s Environmental Sustainability portfolio holder Cr Shirley Cornish said many e-waste
items contain valuable materials that can be reused, as well as components that can be
harmful to people and the environment if not disposed of correctly.
“Most of us have old, unwanted TVs or computers at home, gathering dust. Council’s e-waste
recycling service is great way to get rid of them safely and easily, without costing you a cent,”
said Cr Cornish.
What can be recycled at the TechCollect station:
Televisions, computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, monitors, computer mice, printers,
scanners, keyboards, computer power supplies, printed circuit boards, motherboards,
network and memory cards, disk and CD drives, internal hard drives and web cameras
mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888
9 Kellaway Ave – PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
ENDS
Statistics source:
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/publications/pubs/fshouseholders.pdf
Media enquiries:
Letitia Duncan, Moonee Valley City Council
Mobile: 0408 570 106; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au
mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888
9 Kellaway Ave – PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039