eWaste
As of 1 July, the Victorian Government introduced a ban of all electronic waste (eWaste) going into landfill. For the community, this means that any item that has a plug, power cord or battery that is no longer working or wanted will be banned from entering landfills across the state.
eWaste is growing three times faster than the rate of standard municipal waste; it is full of valuable resources that can be reused, but also contains many hazardous materials which, don't belong in landfill.
Materials, from these items, such as plastic, batteries, precious metals and glass can be turned into reusable products such as toys, keyboards, new batteries, new screens for televisions, jewellery and many more things. Rather than putting it in the bin and sending it to landfill, there are better places where you can take e-waste items.
What items are eWaste?
If it has a plug or uses batteries then it is eWaste!
- Large appliances - Refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, microwaves, electric fans, air conditioners
- Small appliances - Irons, toasters, coffee machines, hair dryers, watches
- IT, telecommunications and TV equipment - Computers, laptops, printers, mobile phones, televisions, remote controls, desktop phones
- Other e-waste - Medical devices, automatic dispensers, thermostats
- Lighting equipment - Fluorescent lamps, high intensity, discharge lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, LEDs
- Electrical and electronic tools - Drills, saws, sewing machines, lawn mowers, batteries
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment - Electric trains and racing cars, hand-held video games, consoles, amplifiers, musical instruments, radios
Where can I take my eWaste?
You can dispose of your eWaste at any one of Councils transfer stations.
E-Waste (per item) $2.00
E-Waste Screen (per item) $5.00
Smaller items such as mobile phones, light globes, batteries and printer cartridges can be disposed at Council's eWaste sorting station located in the front foyer at the Edenhope office.
If the items are still in working order you could donate, sell or give the items away. Facebook buy, swap and sell pages are a great place to get rid of unwanted items.
If you are considering op shops, be sure to check with them before you donate, as not all are able to accept electrical or electronic items.
Where does the eWaste go?
eWaste, from Council's transfer stations, goes to Axis Worx in Horsham, which is a certified Social Enterprise providing supported employment for people with a disability who are unable to work in the open employment sector.