SAMPLE ARTICLES FOR COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Long version – 275 words
Responsible electronic waste recycling is easy
As we are increasingly reliant on technology it’s important that electronic devices reaching
their end of life are disposed of in an environmentally responsible 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 environmental risks.
About 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. Other e-waste can also be
readily recycled. To stem the flow of e-waste to landfill the South Australian Environment
Protection Authority has set in place policies which complement the National Television
and Computer Recycling Scheme. Building upon existing bans, from 1 September 2013
computers, televisions, fluorescent lighting and other e-waste will be banned from direct
disposal to landfill across all of South Australia under the Environment Protection (Waste
to Resources) Policy 2010.
It’s illegal to dump 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 as the costs to local and
state government to collect and dispose of e-waste are passed on to the community.
An increasing number of free drop-off services for computers and televisions are now
available in South Australia. Fluorescent lighting can be taken to any Mitre 10, Tru Value
or Banner hardware store for free recycling anywhere in South Australia. Some councils
also offer e-waste recycling options as part of their existing services.
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, August 2013
2. Shorter version – 220 words
Responsible electronic waste recycling is easy
As we are increasingly reliant on technology it’s imperative that electronic devices
reaching the end of their life are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
About 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. This poses an environmental
risk due to the hazardous materials contained in these items such as heavy metals and
broken glass. Other e-waste can also be readily recycled.
E-waste, including televisions, computers, fluorescent lighting and household appliances,
will be banned from direct disposal to landfill across the state from 1 September 2013
under SA’s waste legislation.
An increasing number of free drop-off services for computers and televisions are now
available in the State. Fluorescent lighting can be taken to any Mitre 10, Tru Value or
Banner hardware store for free recycling anywhere in South Australia. Some councils also
offer e-waste recycling options as part of their existing services.
It’s 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 community.
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, August 2013
3. Consumer tips – Electronic Waste Recycling- 362 words
If you have unwanted television and computer or other e-waste items, your options for
disposal are:

See if friends or family can reuse them.

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.

Visit your closest free recycling drop off point for televisions, computers or lighting
(listed at Zero Waste SA’s webpage). More drop off points are becoming available
across the State over the next year, especially across regional SA.

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 or transfer station and pay for recycling of your
item(s).
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.

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.

Do not place any televisions, computers, fluorescent lighting or other e-waste into any
bin at home.
Information prepared by the Environment Protection Authority and Zero Waste SA, August 2013