The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has opened consultation on the banning of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) going to landfill from 2024.
In a statement, the Department said e-waste items included anything with a plug, battery or cord that was no longer working or wanted.
“The ban would include televisions, mobile phones, computers, screens, data storage, white goods, batteries, medical devices, lighting and lamps,” the Department said.
“Future phases of the ban would capture small household appliances like kettles, toasters and vacuums, photovoltaics including solar panels, as well as monitoring and control equipment.”
The Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby said the ban was an election commitment and would complement existing national product stewardship schemes, support the local e-waste industry and focus on recovering high-value materials such as metals.
“Funding of $14 million will support the implementation of the ban, with more than $10 million going towards infrastructure grants to boost the State’s collection, storage, processing and recycling network capacity,” Mr Whitby said.
“The ban will significantly increase the amount of e-waste that is reused or recycled, including items from drop-off points, Local Government collections and businesses.”
He said the consultation would help the Department understand any industry or community concerns, helping to shape the e-waste ban to ensure it was practical, workable and effective.
The public consultation period will be open until 31 March, with a discussion paper available at this PS News link.
