E-waste Management in Australia: Current Status

Abstract

Waste from used electronic and electrical equipment, known as electronic waste or E-waste, is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world today. Around 40 million tonnes (Mt) of E-waste is produced worldwide annually, causing a serious social problem and an environmental threat to many countries. During 2012-13, 137,756 tonnes of televisions and computers reached their end-of-life, of which 43% (58,857 tonnes) was waste televisions while the remaining 57% (78,900 tonnes) was waste computer products. The Australian government implemented its National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme in 2011 providing Australian households and small business with access to industry-funded collection and recycling services for televisions and computers. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of how Australia deals with this emerging issue given its geography and unique information technology market sector.