SAMPLE ARTICLES FOR COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Long version – 260 words
Electronic waste recycling
As Australians increase their reliance on technology it is imperative that when electronic
devices reach the end of their life that these are disposed of responsibly and in an
environmentally sustainable way.
Of particular concern are the number of televisions and computers (including associated
products) being sent to landfill. Electronic waste (or e-waste) contains hazardous materials
including heavy metals and glass which if broken or damaged pose an unacceptable
environmental hazard.
Around 90% of what's used to make televisions and computers can be recycled, yet more
than 1.5 million are dumped in Australian landfills each year. To stem the flow of electronic
waste to landfill the South Australian Environment Protection Authority has set in place
policies which will complement the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
From 1 September 2012 computers and televisions will be banned from being disposed of
to landfill in metropolitan Adelaide and from 1 September 2013 e-waste is due to be
banned across all of South Australia under the Environment Protection (Waste to
Resources) Policy 2010.
It is illegal to dump unwanted e-waste (or any other material) on the street or in a public
place (including public bins). Dumping e-waste is never a free option for anybody as the
costs to local and state government to collect and dispose of e-waste are passed onto the
local community and the environment.
Some councils currently offer e-waste recycling options as part of their existing services.
As the national recycling scheme is rolled out there will be greater opportunities for
consumers to recycle televisions and computers for free.
For more information ask your council or visit www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/e-waste or
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/
Information prepared by the Environment Protection Authority and Zero Waste SA
2. Short version – 184 words
Electronic waste recycling
As Australians increase their reliance on technology it is imperative that when electronic
devices reach the end of their life that they are disposed of responsibly and in an
environmentally sustainable way.
Around 90% of what's used to make televisions and computers can be recycled, yet more
than 1.5 million are dumped in Australian landfills each year posing an environmental risk
due to the hazardous materials contained in them including heavy metals and broken
glass.
To prevent this, computers and televisions will be banned from being disposed of to landfill
in metropolitan Adelaide from 1 September 2012 under the South Australian Environment
Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010.
Some councils currently offer e-waste recycling options as part of their existing services
and as the national recycling scheme rolls out there will be more recycling opportunities
available.
It is illegal to dump unwanted e-waste on the street or in a public place (including public
bins). Dumping e-waste is never a free option as the costs to local and state government
to collect and clean up e-waste are passed onto the local community and the environment.
For more information ask your council or go to www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/e-waste or
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/
Information prepared by the Environment Protection Authority and Zero Waste SA
3. Consumer tips – Electronic Waste Recycling- 338 words
If you have unwanted television and computer items your options for disposal are:

See if friends or family can reuse them.

Use your existing local government or other recycling services. Contact your council for
more information or visit Zero Waste SA’s webpage for a list of services.

Travel to your nearest e-waste recycler and pay for recycling of your item(s).

Store e-waste undercover and out of the weather until access to free services under
the National Scheme for Televisions and Computers is available in your area.

If they are still in working order, check with your local second-hand shop or a charity to
see if they will take these items. Never leave items at unattended charity drop off
points.
DO NOT:

Do not dump your unwanted items in the street or community. Televisions and
computers contain hazardous substances. Cracked and broken equipment can create
a number of environmental and safety hazards when left out in public places including
parks, ditches and roadsides.
Note: Dumping unwanted items is never a free option for anybody as the costs
to local and state government to collect and clean-up are passed onto the local
community and the environment.

Do not place your unwanted television, computer or computer products out on your
kerb unless you have booked a specific collection with your council.
Note: If you place your items out on the kerb without booking a collection service
through your local council, this is considered illegal dumping, for which you may
be subject to a fine.

Do not attempt to recover any precious metals or recoverable materials from your
unwanted equipment. Cracked and physically broken televisions or computer screens
can expose you, council staff and recyclers to hazardous materials including heavy
metals such as lead, phosphorus, mercury and cadmium as well as broken glass
containing lead particles. You should ensure your television or computer is returned for
recycling in one piece and should not attempt to dismantle and salvage any
components.

Do not place any televisions or computers into any bin at home.
Information prepared by the Environment Protection Authority and Zero Waste SA