E-waste is the fastest growing type of waste in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish.
Computers and other electronic devices can contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. Even plastic casings and computer wiring contain hazardous materials, such as bromine.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics approximately 1.6 million computers are dumped in landfill each year. Another 1.8 million are stored away in a garage or office backroom. In New Zealand, there are an estimated 10 million electronic devices currently in use, with nearly one million being added each year.
Electronic equipment contains valuable materials that can be recovered for reuse. Landfilling results in these materials unnecessarily being disposed of and hazardous substances being released into the surrounding soil and waterways and polluting the environment.
The best and safest way to dispose of such electronic equipment is to reuse or recycle it. TES-AMM is an electronic waste recycler that provides such a service. To encourage recycling, we offer a collection service that is low cost, convenient, safe and environmentally friendly.
Pollution knows no territorial boundaries. What we do in Australia can affect our neighbours around us. Keeping e-waste within territorial boundaries without engaging best practice recycling is not the most ideal solution.