eWaste: 4 benefits of recycling and 4 ways to recycle in New Zealand

What is e-waste and why is it a problem?

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to any discarded or obsolete electronic devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, TVs, printers, and batteries. According to the Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand generates about 98,000 tonnes of e-waste every year, but only about 2% of it is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, where it poses a serious threat to the environment and human health.

E-waste contains hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, that can leach into the soil and water and contaminate the food chain. These substances can cause various health problems, such as cancer, neurological damage, reproductive disorders, and birth defects. E-waste also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, as it releases carbon dioxide and methane when it decomposes.

Moreover, e-waste is a waste of valuable resources, as it contains precious metals, such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum, that can be recovered and reused. According to a report by the United Nations, the global value of e-waste in 2019 was estimated at $57 billion, but only $10 billion worth of materials was recovered. Recycling e-waste can reduce the demand for mining and extraction of raw materials, which can save energy, water, and land, and prevent environmental degradation and social conflicts.

What are the benefits of e-waste recycling?

Recycling e-waste can have multiple benefits for the environment and society, such as:

– Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Recycling one tonne of e-waste can prevent the emission of 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to taking one car off the road for a year.

– Conserving natural resources and reducing waste. Recycling one tonne of e-waste can recover up to 20 kg of copper, 300 g of gold, 200 g of silver, and 5 g of platinum, which can be used to make new products and reduce the need for virgin materials.

– Creating jobs and supporting the circular economy. Recycling e-waste can generate employment opportunities for collection, transportation, processing, and manufacturing workers, as well as social enterprises and community groups. Recycling e-waste can also support the transition to a circular economy, where products and materials are designed to last longer, be repaired, reused, and recycled, and create value for society.

– Protecting human health and well-being. Recycling e-waste can prevent the exposure of people and animals to toxic substances and reduce the risk of diseases and disorders. Recycling e-waste can also improve the quality of life and well-being of people who depend on e-waste for their livelihood, such as informal recyclers in developing countries, by providing them with safer and more dignified working conditions and income opportunities.

How can you recycle your e-waste in New Zealand?

If you have old or unwanted electronic devices, you can recycle them in several ways, such as:

– Taking them to a certified e-waste recycler. You can find a list of accredited e-waste recyclers on the eCycle website (https://www.ecycle.co.nz/), or use the Recycling Directory (https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/solutions/) to locate a drop-off point near you. Some recyclers may charge a fee for certain items, such as TVs and monitors, to cover the cost of processing and handling.

– Donating them to a charity or community group. You can donate your working or repairable devices to organisations that can refurbish and redistribute them to people in need, such as schools, low-income families, or refugees. Some examples of such organisations are Computer Recycling (https://www.computerrecycling.co.nz/), Remarkit (https://www.remarkit.co.nz/), and TechSoup New Zealand (https://www.techsoup.net.nz/).

– Selling or trading them online. You can sell or trade your functional or valuable devices on online platforms, such as Trade Me (https://www.trademe.co.nz/), Facebook Marketplace (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/), or Buy Sell Swap (https://buysellswap.co.nz/), and earn some extra cash or exchange them for something you need.

– Repairing or upgrading them yourself. You can extend the life of your devices by repairing or upgrading them yourself, or with the help of a professional. You can find online tutorials, guides, and tools on websites, such as iFixit (https://www.ifixit.com/), or join a local repair cafe or workshop, where you can learn from experts and share skills and resources with other people.

By recycling your e-waste, you can help protect the environment, conserve resources, create jobs, and support the circular economy. You can also make a positive difference in the lives of people who can benefit from your devices, or enjoy them yourself for longer. So, next time you have an electronic device that you no longer need or want, don’t throw it away, recycle it.

At Teltrac we have partnered with Remarkit to manage e-waste.