Festival Seeks Solution to eWaste
19 May, 2009
Australians are dumping electronic waste faster than general waste - the trend is the focus of an innovation debate in Brisbane today.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the problem was a hefty 312,930 tonnes of electronic equipment disposed in landfill each year (ABS).
“eWaste is accumulating three times faster than general waste, but only 15 per cent is recycled, according to the ABS,” Cr Newman said.
“Yet, 95 per cent of TVs and computers are recyclable because they’re predominantly made of metals and plastics.
“eWaste also contains toxins such as lead and mercury that are hazardous to humans, animals and plants.”
Green ICT and eWaste - one of the 70 events under the country’s only innovation festival dedicated to sustainability - CitySmart Innovation Festival - will explore the challenges of collection, recovery and treatment of ewaste.
The Lord Mayor said the event would tackle the issues in establishing a nationwide recycling program, based on Brisbane City Council’s successful zero waste strategy.
The primary issue is establishing finance models, and the forum will consider the responsibilities of IT manufacturers and all levels of government.
“Our experience is Brisbane residents are keen to reduce the environmental impact of their old TVs and computers, and make the best use of our eWaste weekends,” he said.
“I’ve committed to four drop off weekends a year across six sites and in just one weekend we gathered 185 tonnes of electrical gear dropped off by thousands of people.
“I’m keen to see our initiative rolled out across the country, but the issue will be financing the cost of collections and recycling.”
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the CitySmart Innovation Festival (May 18 - June 5) was a unique Australian forum showcasing innovative technologies for sustainable cities.
Brisbane City Council has partnered with the Australian Innovation Festival to deliver the CitySmart Innovation Festival program of more than 70 events.
Event Details: Brisbane City Council offices, Brisbane Square, Reddacliff Place, Tuesday May 19, 9am
Visit www.greenheartcitysmart.com.au or www.brisbaneinnovation.org
[Ends] May 19, 2009
