Publish date: 14 October 2024

These days we are all aware of how to recycle in the home and workplace – from recycling paper and plastic, to using different bins and even swapping out everyday items for eco-friendly options. However, in this digital and tech-heavy world we now live in, there is one area that is becoming an increasing issue, and that is e-waste. With our dependence on technology comes the constant upgrading of devices, appliances and the replacement of broken cords and chargers.

International E-Waste Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the growing problem of e-waste in Australia and around the world. So what is e-waste? It’s any item with a battery, power cord, or both, that is no longer needed. When you consider all the items that fall into this category, it becomes clear how overwhelming the amount of e-waste is globally. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australians are among the biggest contributors, generating about 20kg of e-waste per person per year, compared to the global average of 7kg. Many of us hoard these unused products at home, letting them collect dust.

The good news is that a significant portion of e-waste can be recycled or revived. This year’s theme for International E-Waste Day is “Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive”. These electronic products contain precious resources such as gold, copper and platinum that can be used to make new products, reducing the need to source virgin materials. Did you know that 98% of the components in a computer can be recycled? If these products are still in working order, they can be donated for reuse by others.

Recycling and reviving e-waste is crucial to keep these items out of landfills. E-waste can contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which pose significant risks to the environment and human health. (Source: Brisbane City Council and Cleanup Australia.)

For International E-Waste Day, we have organised an e-waste “Easter egg hunt”, encouraging our staff to retrieve any forgotten, broken, or unused devices at home and at work. These items will be collected for recycling or revival.

According to Cleanup Australia and Econation these are the top tips for reducing e-waste:

  1. Extend the Lifespan of Your Electronics: Regularly update software and perform maintenance to keep devices running longer and use protective cases and screen protectors to prevent damage.
  2. Choose Refurbished Electronics: Opt for refurbished devices instead of new ones. They are often just as good and come at a lower cost and environmental impact.
  3. Donate or Sell Unwanted Electronics: If your devices are still functional, consider donating them to schools, charities, or selling them online.
  4. Properly Recycle E-Waste: Use certified e-waste recycling services to ensure that your devices are disposed of safely and responsibly.
  5. Avoid Hoarding: Regularly declutter your home and office to prevent unused electronics from piling up.
  6. Buy Durable Electronics: Invest in high-quality, durable electronics that are designed to last longer and are easier to repair.
  7. Support Legislation and Advocacy: Advocate for policies that promote e-waste recycling and the production of sustainable electronics.
  8. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about e-waste issues and share your knowledge with friends and family to encourage responsible e-waste management.
  9. Embrace Sustainable Habits: Reduce the number of electronics you buy, reuse devices whenever possible, and recycle them properly when they reach the end of their life.

We all need to remember that the products we purchase will end up somewhere at the end of their life. Upgrading items is now second nature and we should consider whether we need the latest version of a device just to keep up with trends. Additionally, we can pressure companies to plan for the end of life of their products and create items that last and are economical to repair, fostering a more circular economy.

This responsibility does not only rest with the individual consumer but also businesses, which are only increasingly reliant on technology.  As a responsible organisation, it is important to reduce, reuse and recycle old and broken electronic products and ensure we are not contributing to this growing issue in the larger community.

Helpful Sources:

Cleanup Australia

Brisbane City Council

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Econation

Photo credit: Screen Post, Unsplash


Amy Smith
Amy Smith
Performance Manager

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