What is e-waste?
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. The plastic casing and wiring of computer equipment can also contain hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants.
A 2006 report titled e-Waste in New Zealand: taking responsibility for end-of-life computers and TVs prepared by the Computer Access NZ Trust estimated that there are 16 million electronic devices currently in use in New Zealand, including 10 million cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and with nearly one million being added each year. Much of this equipment is now reaching the end of its life and is being disposed of in landfills. A 2007 report prepared for the 2020 Communications Trust on “ICT in New Zealand Schools” revealed that around half of all schools have dumped old computer equipment in landfills.
The problem is that landfilling stores the waste rather than allowing for recovery and reuse of valuable materials. There's also a risk that hazardous substances will leach from landfills into surrounding land and waterways, polluting our environment.
What happens to the e-waste collected on eDay?
The table below gives some indication of the impact that e-waste can have on the environment, wildlife and human health.
Environmental impacts of some computer & mobile phone materials
For more information go to A Literature Review on the Environmental and Health Impacts of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
| Material | Main application | Environmental & heath impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic such as PVC | Cabling, computer housing, handsets and mobile phone accessories | When burnt, releases dioxins that can be carcinogenic |
| Lead | Circuit boards and other components | High toxic effects on plants and animals. Damages nervous system |
| Cadmium | SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, batteries, pigments | Can leach into groundwater. Long term exposure can result in kidney damage. Potential carcinogen. |
| Mercury | Sensors and switches on printed circuit boards, backlights for LCD displays/monitors | Highly toxic and can cause brain damage in foetuses |
How can I dispose of e-waste after eDay?
Disposing of computer equipment
The safest way to dispose of old computer equipment is to reuse or recycle it.
Reusing your computer equipment
Repair or upgrade
It's better to repair or upgrade your equipment, rather than replace it with something new. It's usually cheaper too. Some computers can be upgraded by replacing a single component instead of the entire unit. For example, a slow-running computer may just need some more memory or its capacity boosted by a larger hard drive.
Donate or sell
If your computer hasn't reached the end of its life, you could donate or sell it.
Before donating or selling:
- Make sure equipment is in good working order and reusable – don't pass on your waste disposal problem to someone else.
- Make the decision to sell or donate sooner rather than later – leaving equipment in storage depletes its reuse value.
- Remove all data from disk drives using security wipe software. The Government Communications Security Bureau recommends www.blancco.com.
Recycling your computer equipment
Dell offers free recycling of its own PCs for consumers and free recycling of any brand with a Dell purchase in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Other options for recycling computer equipment in New Zealand are limited, but it's worthwhile asking your computer supplier or retailer if they have a recycling scheme in place. The greater the demand for recycling schemes, the greater the likelihood of them being implemented. Also ask your supplier if they take back used packaging.
Recycling your toner and inkjet cartridges
You can help reduce the impact of cartridges on the environment by making simple changes when buying, using and disposing of cartridges.
- Ask for cartridges with eco-labels such as Environmental Choice.
- Print draft documents with your printer set to economy mode.
- Choose a printer that requires replacement of toner only.
- Send used cartridges to a recycling programme. Take-back systems are offered through major supply companies, and some of the major office equipment suppliers and specialist refurbished cartridge companies. The Ministry for the Environment has a list of some of these companies on their website.
- When possible, choose remanufactured cartridges with a performance guarantee.
Disposing of mobile phones
Both Vodafone and Telecom offer mobile phone recycling schemes so disposing of old mobile phones, accessories and batteries is relatively simple.
Vodafone collection scheme
Mobiles or accessories, like batteries and chargers, that collectively weigh less than 25kg can be dropped off at any Vodafone retail store or sent FREEPOST to: Freepost, Vodafone Handset Recycling Programme, Private Bag 92222, Auckland Mail Centre.
Telecom collection scheme
Mobile phones and accessories can be disposed of in recycling bins at Telecom, Orb or Leading Edge stores. Telecom can also take back and recycle desk top phones.
Three things to remember before disposing of your mobile phone
- Ensure that your mobile is disconnected.
- Clear the phone's memory of contacts and other stored information.
- Remove your phone's SIM card if it has one. If you need assistance, contact your network provider.
Find out more about e-waste
The above information was supplied by the Ministry for the Environment, one of eDay's national supporters.
- Find out more about safe ways to dispose of computers
- Find out more information about disposing of mobile phones
- Find out the Australian Government’s definition of e-waste
