Program to Byte Back at eWaste Problem

Program to Byte Back at e-Waste Problem

Media release - 27 June 2005

Acting Premier and Environment Minister John Thwaites today launched a new Victorian first recycling scheme that will result in household and business computers being recycled.

Mr Thwaites said BytebackTM would be the first service provided by a government and private industry partnership, to address the problem of old, unwanted computers in the community.

"It's estimated about 500,000 computers become obsolete each year in Victoria, with the vast majority not being recycled and adding to the State's waste," Mr Thwaites said.

"While a number of larger companies have established mechanisms for recycling old computers, only a handful of services exist for households and small businesses."

The Bracks Government is contributing $50,000 to the $80,000 twelve month project.

BytebackTM is a free service, established by the Government through EcoRecycle, in partnership with Hewlett Packard, Sims E-Recycling and the City of Boroondara.

Member for Burwood, Bob Stensholt, said once collected, computer parts would be separated for recycling and recovery, with plastics and metals processed into raw materials for use in everyday products.

"I'd like to especially congratulate HP which is leading in its industry to act on the issue of e-waste, and Sims E-Recycling which has made a big commitment to the project," he said.

The pilot will provide information about the viability of Council-based collection schemes and the possibility of extending the program to other suburbs in Melbourne.

Mayor of Boroondara Cr Jack Wegman said the scheme would be popular with local residents.

"We're encouraging residents and small business to make the most of this opportunity to dispose of computers in a safe and responsible way," he said.

Mr Thwaites said that Victorians no longer wanted to send useful resources to landfill, burdening the natural environment unnecessarily and Government was helping find alternatives.

BytebackTM is located at:

Boroondara Riversdale Road Transfer Station
648 Riversdale Road,
Camberwell

Opening hours:
1.00pm - 4.00pm weekdays
8.00am - 4.00pm weekends.

For more information on the program contact EcoRecycle on 1800 353233 or City of Boroondara on 9278 4444.

Program to Byte Back at eWaste Problem