3 June, 2020

It’s now easier to keep old electronics out of landfill with Gunnedah Shire Council’s new E-Waste drop off.

New electronic waste bins have been placed at the Gunnedah Shire Waste Management facility, allowing Shire residents to deposit unwanted electronic items free of charge.

E-Waste refers to any item that needs a battery, power cord or a plug that is no longer wanted or working. These items contain potentially toxic metal elements and need to be separated from general waste.

Council’s Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron is encouraging local residents to take advantage of the free program, and said it will help prevent items ending up in landfill and reduce impact on the environment.

“As with any product, we encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and repair before recycling,” Mrs Cameron said.

“Those electronic items unable to be re-used or repaired can now be disposed of responsibly. Under our new E-waste collection program, deposited items can go on to be manually disassembled and sorted into various components. These individual parts will be processed for use as raw materials in new products.

“Research shows the average Australian household produces 73kg of e-waste every year, most of which ends up in landfill. This new recycling program will provide greater flexibility in recycling electronic waste, helping keep it out of landfill and preventing illegal dumping.

“Anyone concerned about dropping off items with their personal details can be assured data on devices is destroyed during the dismantling process. But for peace and mind they may wish to reset and wipe data from devices before dropping them off.”

Four separate cages have been placed at the Waste Management Facility to deposit E-Waste across several different categories. The following items can be deposited in each bin:

• CRT Televisions, CRT Computer Monitors, Flat Screen TV’s – LED, LCD or Plasma, Flat Screen Monitors –LED, LCD or Plasma.
• Desktop Printers, Fax Machines, Multi-Function Devices, Scanners, Sound Equipment, Cameras, Networking Equipment, Routers/switches, Gaming Consoles, Computer Peripherals (keyboards, mice, joysticks, webcam), UPS Units, Landline Phones, Tablets/I-pads/I-pods.
• Computer towers, laptops, mobile phones.
• Electrical and electronic tools - sewing machines, drills, saws, welding tools, electric mowers and tools for other gardening activities. Small household appliances - kettles, toasters, irons, vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, irons, electric knives, electric.

E-Waste can be deposited during opening hours at no charge at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, located at 418 Quia Road.

For further information about Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste management facilities and programs, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.