Australia’s E-waste Problem
The disposal of E-waste (waste from computers, televisions, phones, etc) has become one of the biggest sustainability issues in the world. It is now the world's fastest growing waste stream. Over 50 million tonnes of e-waste are produced per year globally, with the vast majority being dumped in landfill or shipped to countries that don’t have the infrastructure to process it safely. About 70% of toxic chemicals found in landfill, such as cadmium, lead and mercury are a result of E-waste. These toxic chemicals affect human health in numerous ways and are known to damage the nervous, reproductive and immune systems. This is a global problem that is, in most cases, sadly dealt with by ecosystems and the global poor.
One might assume that in a country like Australia this issue is dealt with more responsibly. Unfortunately this is not the case. Australia is one of the world's largest consumers of electronic products generating more than 140,000 tonnes of E-waste per year. 88% of the 4 million computers and 3 million televisions purchased in Australia go into landfill every year. Less than 1% of TVs and 10% of computers are recycled. If only half of the used TV’s in Australia were properly recycled we could reduce carbon emissions by 23,000 tonnes.
Unfortunately due to poor regulation and government oversight the recycling of E-waste in Australia is problematic. Numerous investigations have found that while Australia claims to have excellent E-waste recycling protocols this is not actually the case (see this story in the Guardian). A report in the ABC found that a computer monitor that had been processed through an Australian E-waste recycling asset register had actually ended up in a toxic waste dump in Ghana. The waste at this location was being torn apart and burned to extract the metals by children as young as five.
Fortunately there is a better way. The truth is about 98% of e-waste products can be recycled and reused responsibly. It is undeniable businesses and regulators must do more to address this issue. However there are some organisations that are responsibly making use of these products. Powerwells along with its partner Substation are one such organisation. Processing Brisbane's e-waste to not only generate electricity for those that need it but also providing employment and refurbished electronic goods for disadvantaged locals.
By Lachlan Baxter
Electronic Waste Cable Bag at Substation33