Australians are among the highest users of technology, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.

Australians are among the highest users of technology, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.

E-waste is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment that is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to function (including all components, subassemblies and consumables which are part of the original equipment at the time of discarding). They include:

1. Consumer/entertainment electronics (e.g. televisions, DVD players and tuners).
2. Devices of office, information and communications technology (e.g. computers, telephones and mobile phones).
3. Household appliances (e.g. fridges, washing machines and microwaves).
4. Lighting devices (e.g. desk lamps).
5. Power tools (e.g. power drills) with the exclusion of stationary industrial devices.
6. Devices used for sport and leisure including toys (e.g. fitness machines and remote control cars).

Disposal of unwanted televisions, computer products and other electrical or electronic devices in an environmentally responsible way is becoming an increasingly important issue due to the increase in consumption of raw materials, taking up of landfill space and disposal of hazardous substances in areas where they could leach into soil and water.

Did you know?

• Australians are among the highest users of technology, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.
• 17 million televisions and 37 million computers have been sent to landfill up to 2008.
• 99% of Australian households have at least one television set. while 55% have a second set.
• Of the 15.7 million computers that reached their 'end of life' in Australia in 2007-08, only 1.5 million were recycled – that's less the 10%.

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