An e-waste to landfill ban has come into force in Western Australia, fulfilling a state government commitment to move towards becoming a low-waste circular economy.
The ban includes items such as batteries, mobile phones, televisions, computers, light globes and fluorescent tubes, large whitegoods and professional medical devices.
Funding of $14 million has been committed to implementation, which includes support for policy and regulatory changes, infrastructure grants for new e-waste collection and recycling infrastructure, as well as community education.
The ban is aimed at industry rather than households, with banned items having recovery pathways in place to ensure a smooth transition, aligning with national product stewardship arrangements, and supporting local industry capacity.
Households can assist by properly disposing of e-waste by using the Recycle Right website and app, Find My Nearest – Recycle Right for dropping off e-waste items through participating retailers or local council drop-off points.
According to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) director of circular economy, Adrian Wiley, e-waste had become one of the fastest growing waste streams in Australia and the ban would assist in the recovery and reuse of valuable materials that may otherwise be lost to landfill.
“The initiative will help build local industry, as well as assist in creating a more circular economy. While this ban is aimed at industry, I encourage everyone to assist in the reduction of e-waste to landfill by disposing of their e-waste at appropriate facilities. This is particularly critical for batteries, which should never be disposed of in the bin,” he said.