Total Green Recycling, the region's largest e-waste recycler, is expanding its capabilities in advance of a statewide restriction on depositing electronic debris (e-waste) in landfills beginning in 2024.
The ban, which will first apply to products such as domestic appliances, mobile phones, and computers, intends to address the present issue in which just 25% of the state's yearly 68,663 tonnes of e-waste gets recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills.
Total Green Recycling's general manager, Evan Cocks, recognizes both obstacles and opportunities as the ban's start date approaches. Local governments must provide infrastructure for e-waste collection, while firms, such as Total Green Recycling, must expand to match the predicted increase in volume. Recognizing the need for expanded efforts, the WA government has allocated $14 million to increase recycling capacity and fund educational activities.
The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) warns, however, that the expenses of managing e-waste, which is currently up to $700 per tonne, will almost certainly be passed on to ratepayers due to the lack of a comprehensive product stewardship system.
Researchers also highlight the significant economic and environmental value of e-waste, focusing on precious metal recovery and the need for community awareness to dispel myths about proper disposal. Overall, the shift away from e-waste landfilling constitutes a big step forward in Western Australia's environmental sustainability.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
