The Australian Government committed last November to introduce legislation to substantially increase national electronic waste recycling, starting with end of life TVs and computers.
This will be achieved through product stewardship legislation, and through implementation of Commonwealth extended producer responsibility (PRO) legislation.
Government and industry are working towards an April 2011 implementation date. A key part will be the provision of funding and a code of practice for e-waste recycling, to be administered by the PROs.
The TV industry estimates that between 15 to 18 million TVs alone (excluding monitors) will be seeking an environmentally responsible disposal solution as the switch from analogue to digital gains momentum. Most contain lead bearing CRTs (cathode ray tubes).
In 2007–08, 16.8 million televisions, computers and computer products reached their end of life, with 84 per cent sent to landfill.
Less than ten per cent were recycled; around nine per cent being computers and just one per cent TVs.
A ‘do the right thing’ Australian standard for e-waste recyclers will seek to ensure high environmental outcomes, transparent reporting, high resource recovery and increased enforcement around illegal dumping and export of e-waste.
With its automated ISO 14001 and 9001 accredited facility, state of the art technologies and highly experienced staff, PGM Refiners is well placed to address the pent up demand for environmentally sound e-waste recycling solutions.
Situated in Narre Warren, Victoria, PGM Refiners has been servicing the e-waste recycling needs of councils and other clients across Victoria and interstate, providing a full range of services including collection alternatives, transport logistics and event coordination, as required.
PGM maximises in country value add and resource recovery, provides secure, environmentally sound end of life solutions (including lead bearing CRT glass recycling), and transparent reporting.
For more information contact Karvan Jayaweera on (03) 9796 2050, email kjayaweera@pgmrefiners.com, or Sam Miller on 0418 977 477 or email smiller@pgmrefiners.com
*Copy supplied by PGM Refiners
