National scheme to recycle appliances

OLD televisions, computers and appliances can now be collected from your home or business for free and taken for recycling in a first for a national program.

Two new companies have joined the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme in a battle to keep electronic waste out of landfill.

And one of them, ActivGroup, is offering to pick up eligible products with a plug or battery.

The move recognises that people want to recycle their goods but often can’t carry a big television, or have a car to take it themselves.

“This welcome innovation should considerably boost Australia’s e-waste recycling,” chief executive Helen Jarman said.

Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction, Trevor Evans, said solar panels and batteries all had components that shouldn’t be wasted in landfill.

“We want brands, manufacturers, retailers and industry groups to take greater responsibility for the entire life cycle of the products they produce and sell, including at disposal,” he said.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia’s ewaste was growing at a rate three times faster than any other waste stream.

“The benefits of recycling our e-waste cannot be contested,” Ms Ley said.

“We save money by not using virgin materials and we keep potentially dangerous materials out of landfill.”

Kevin Mooney is the cofounder of Sustainable Product Stewards, which also joined the scheme.

He said the company aimed to support a circular economy by “making valuable components available for recycling”.