Managing Australia’s electronic waste (e-waste) problem through product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR)

Abstract

Electronic and electrical waste or e-waste is the fastest-growing global waste stream with a current generation of around 53 million metric tonnes (Mt) and projected to reach 74 Mt by 2030. Not properly managed, e-waste can cause severe environmental and health impacts. The Australian government has implemented a product stewardship program using the extended producer responsibility (EPR) concept to manage televisions and computers through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme to reach an 80% recycling rate by 2027. The paper provides an overview of how the Australian government and industry deal with the e-waste problem.