The Shire of Murray has diverted more than 37 tonnes of e-waste from landfill in the past 18 months.
Shire President Douglas McLarty said the Shire began separating and recycling e-waste at the Murray transfer stations from 1 September 2023.
“One of the Shire of Murray’s key focus areas is ‘Planet’ which means that we are working to ensure our natural environment is cared for and appreciated,” said Mr McLarty.
“Managing e-waste correctly ensures that the environment, and our health is protected and prevents the risk of toxic chemicals entering the environment.”
“We are proud to have diverted 37.02 tonnes of e-waste from landfill in the past 18 months, including 1,831 flat screen televisions,” added Mr McLarty.
E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams and in 2008 Australians generated 7kg per person per annum of electronic waste and by 2022 this had grown to 22kg per person per annum and this number is predicted to continue to rise.
“It’s a great reminder that when you are sorting your waste to go to the transfer stations, keep your e-waste separate. Smaller e-waste such as mobile phones, printer ink cartridges, household batteries and light globes can all be dropped off at the Murray Library for recycling,” said Mr McLarty.
In 2024, the Shire also upgraded the Corio Road Transfer Station with a new moving floor and compactor to allow for waste to be easily transitioned from the back of a ute or trailer onto a moving floor with the removal of the existing gates, where it is then compacted into skip bins. It has increased convenience, cost-efficiency and safety at the station. As well as reducing transport costs for the Shire as compacted waste can be transported more efficiently.
This project was a major priority for the Shire of Murray with $1.5 million dollars investment from Council.
