Making e-waste disposal your business
Because businesses, universities and government organisations are the highest users of computer and mobile phone equipment, it’s even more crucial that they dispose of it in an environmentally sustainable way. Landfilling just stores e-waste rather than allowing for recovery and reuse of valuable materials. It is not a long-term solution.
The Ministry for the Environment has produced “Environmental Sustainability Considerations for ICT Equipment: Good Practice Guidelines” specifically for businesses and organisations that use large quantities of ICT equipment please request a copy at e-waste@mfe.govt.nz
How can businesses dispose of e-waste?
Computers
Disposing of computers
Several organisations are involved with collecting and disposing of functioning commercial computers in New Zealand.
Below is a list of our recommended computer recyclers. You‘ll need to contact each company for an up-to-date list of their processes.
| Company | Details | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Remarkit Solutions, Wellington | Recovers computer equipment from industry, refurbishes them and sells them on to schools, charitable organisations and the public at low cost. Remarkit has also developed and provides a high-level security wiping process. | Phone: 04 4990121 Email: buyit@remarkit.co.nz www.remarkit.co.nz |
| The Ark, Auckland | Recovers computers, refurbishes them and sells them at low cost to schools, charitable organisations, and to the public. | Ph (09) 272 2676 or email Sales@arknet.co.nz |
| Divers | Caters for complete IT lifecycle services... includes global freight, customisation, decommissioning, remarketing, recycling, warehousing. | www.divers.co.nz |
| TES AMM | TES-AMM is an ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified organisation established by waste management, technology and engineering professionals to provide environmentally friendly e-waste recycling solutions. TES-AMM has proven abilities to be able to tailor solutions to meet the needs of our clients. | Visit or send an enquiry at www.tes-amm.com to find out more, or call (07) 577 1288 |
| RCN | RCN has developed a large dealer network in New Zealand & overseas for buying & selling ex lease IT equipment, maintaining a high quality of refurbished IT products throughout the industry. They have also developed a total solution for all electronic waste that sees 99% of all waste diverted from landfill. RCN & Associates Ltd has New Zealand’s only Environmental CRT Disposal Facility. They take all types of unwanted Computer & Electronic Equipment and all e-waste is disposed of to ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 Standards. |
Ph: 09 413 8533 |
| Computer Recycling Limited, Auckland | Offers free computer disposal. |
Email info@computerrecycling.co.nz |
The Computer Broker, Christchuch | Recovers computers, refurbishes them and, through its charitable trust, donates them to schools and underprivileged families. |
Phone: (03) 377 5195 |
Disposing of computers for recycling
Computer return schemes available to businesses in New Zealand include:
| Company | Details |
|---|---|
| Dell | Accepts all brands of desktop computers, notebook computers, monitors and servers. Much of this equipment is exported to environmentally approved overseas recycling plants. Open to everyone, not just Dell customers. |
| Hewlett Packard | Accepts all brands of end-of-life print cartridges, printers, scanners, fax machines, personal computers, servers and computer peripherals. Much of this equipment is exported to environmentally approved overseas recycling plants. This service is available to HP corporate customers only. |
| IBM | Offers reuse and recycling services for business customers, including sole-traders. This service is available to IBM corporate customers only. IBM’s partner in New Zealand is RCN. Contact them on 09 413 8533 or visit www.rcn.co.nz for more information. |
Mobile phones
Both Vodafone and Telecom offer mobile phone recycling schemes.
Vodafone collection scheme
If your organisation has a large supply of unused mobile phones, email recycling.nz@vodafone.com and Vodafone will advise you on how to run a Mobile Recycling Week. Vodafone will arrange delivery and pick-up of a recycle bin as well as all the material you need to promote it.
Telecom collection scheme
Mobile phones and accessories can be disposed of in recycling bins at Telecom, Orb or Leading Edge stores. For a list of Telecom retail stores visit www.telecom.co.nz/stores.