Make the most of E-Day

TCDC helping to get harmful computer waste out of landfills.

Disposing of those old computers and mobile phones in an environmentally-friendly way has just been made easy with Thames-Coromandel District Council hosting two E-Day collections around the district.

Electronic waste (e-waste) can seriously harm the environment, wildlife and human health when dumped in landfills. It is the fastest growing type of waste in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish.

On September 27 and 28 only all TCDC refuse transfer stations will accept for free old computer hardware, monitors, networking equipment, scanners, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, laptops, printers, toner and ink cartridges, games consoles and mobile phones.

The E-Day collection does not include televisions, stereos, appliances, power tools or furniture.

All equipment dropped off on e-day will be recycled by accredited recyclers using accepted international practices to ensure the safety of workers and maximise the recovery of materials. Recyclers have advised that over 95% of the materials in a computer can be recovered and re-used.

To deal with mobile phones dumped on e-day, Vodafone New Zealand will reuse or recycle the mobile phones dropped off through its relationship with an organisation providing re-usable mobiles to entrepreneurs in developing countries. All other mobiles are sent to accredited mobile recycling facilities where component materials are extracted for re-use.

TCDC Solid Waste Officer Bryce Louden says computers and other electronic devices can contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. The plastic casing and wiring of computer equipment can also contain hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants.

“TCDC has a very successful recycling programme and we accept all plastics from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, paper, glass bottles, cardboard, aluminium and steel cans and scrap steel and gas bottles with the screw caps removed. By supporting E-Day we’re able to help people recycle their old computers and mobile phones too.”