New place for e-waste

By Ewen McRae

Caroline Springs residents will soon find it easier to dispose of their e-waste.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing streams of waste worldwide, and covers everything from old mobile phones, computers, audio devices, and refrigerators.

Officeworks in Caroline Springs is one of 42 sites across the state to receive funding to boost the amount of e-waste it can take, as the need to properly dispose of electronic items grows.

From July 1, 2019, any item with a plug, battery or cord can no longer be placed in kerbside bins and instead must be deposited at a designated e-waste drop-off point.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced a $25.3 million funding boost last week to help keep up with demand.

“We’re making sure Victorian households know how to dispose of e-waste properly and easily ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. “It’s great to see businesses like Officeworks getting on board to ensure all Victorians have a convenient drop-off point.

“E-waste contains valuable materials that we can recover and reuse, but if left in the wrong place, they can also harm the environment.”

Ewen McRae