TechCollect urges workplaces to recycle e-waste

Internet Retailing

5th Dec 2016

TechCollect, an industry-funded electronic waste recycling service, is calling for Australian businesses to play their part in building a sustainable future by recycling unwanted e-waste on 8 December.

This is TechCollect’s second annual Waste Not, Want Not Day, which aims to capitalise on the 82 per cent of employees who want to see more e-waste recycling in their workplaces, according to a 2013 Green Pulse report.

While almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of employees regularly recycle paper in the workplace, only 36 per cent do the same for computers and electronic accessories, according to research from Planet Ark.

“It’s crucial for recycling to be viewed as a civic duty for all of us, but it’s also important for businesses to try and take some of the weight off consumers’ shoulders, as it often falls unfairly on individuals to do the right thing,” Carmel Dollisson, CEO of TechCollect, said.

As technology consumption continues to rise, businesses have an important role to play in promoting sustainability and building recycling awareness.

“There is currently a lot more the corporate sector can do to take responsibility for the e-waste it generates, and to make a positive impact on the environment and wider community,” Dollisson said.

“Precious metals exist in e-waste and if we don’t recycle products those metals are lost to landfill. Recycling means that these valuables can be recovered and put back into the manufacturing process,” she said.

TechCollect wants December 8 to serve as reminder for businesses to hand over old office supplies for responsible recycling.

To get involved on Waste Not, Want Not Day, businesses can follow these steps:

1. Gather all your unwanted and unused e-waste from around the workplace
2. Call 1300 229 837 to see if you qualify for a free pickup
3. If you don’t qualify for a free pickup, find your nearest free drop-off point at http://techcollect.com.au/our-locations/

TechCollect is an industry-funded, not-for-profit recycling service for computers, computer accessories and TVs. It was established in response to the government’s National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme which set out an obligation for importers and manufacturers to take responsibility for the safe disposal of e-waste.