Posted on: June 4, 2024
The State Government’s ban on e-waste being disposed to landfill will come in to force next month.
While the new laws are targeted at industry rather than individual households, GREAT Sorts are supporting the move by recovering their own e-waste, repairing items that can be fixed, and even gifting stuff they no longer need.
What is e-waste?
E-waste is broadly defined as electrical and electronic equipment. We all know the number of electronic products we use has increased substantially over the last few years. Using these products is now essential for communication at work, in our communities, for transportation, temperature control of our homes, and in many other parts of our daily lives.
In fact, while it’s estimated by 2030 each of us will generate 23kg of e-waste every single year, it’s estimated just a quarter of our e-waste currently is recycled.
E-waste can also contain hazardous materials, which is why it should be disposed of correctly. Things that should never go in any kerbside bin include batteries, light bulbs and e-waste items like computers, phones and TVs.
What can you do to help?
A great way to make a start on those items sitting around at home in drawers, spare rooms or garages is to firstly sort the e-waste and then take broken or unused items which can’t be repaired to local drop-off points.
It’s also important to remember that batteries and devices with inbuilt batteries can cause fires if put into the household waste bins and compressed during transport or processing.
Along with local government recycling centres, there are easy-to-access battery drop-off points throughout the WA community in shopping centres, supermarkets, libraries, and community centres, making it easy for people to drop-off their old batteries while out and about.
The nearest drop-off points for all your e-waste needs can be found through Recycle Right’s Find My Nearest search function on its website and app.
Be inspired
Samuel Thomas is the founder of Sam's Spares, a not-for-profit organisation that accepts old computers, laptops, and phones for reuse.
Hear Sam’s story.
This article on e-waste also featured in The West Australian’s Environment Day liftout on 5 June 2024, that can be viewed here on page 3.
Recently, the rules for what goes in which bin in Western Australia have been standardised. That means that wherever you live across the state, all councils have the same consistent rules about what goes in the recycling bin.
Just because an item has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it should go in your yellow-topped bin! For the first time there is a clear set of guidelines for all WA households about what can and can't be put in your yellow-topped recycling bin making it easier for you to own your impact and do the right thing. Are you up to speed with the changes?
16,000 GREAT sorts attended the East Fremantle George Street Festival last December with less than 40kg of waste sent to landfill.