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E-waste day a success

Wednesday 16 September 2009, 7:39AM

By Taupo District Council

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The full shipping container ready for transportation
The full shipping container ready for transportation Credit: Taupo District Council

TAUPO

Taupo District Council’s free electronic waste disposal day was so popular that a second shipping container is being brought in to collect the remaining e-waste.

 

Members of the public brought in old computers, monitors and mobile phones by the car load to the Broadlands, Turangi and Mangakino transfer stations on Saturday. By midday, the Broadlands container was full and transfer station staff began stockpiling equipment ready for the next pick-up, and calling in support from Budget Waste staff.

 

Infrastructure Services Group Manager Ted Anderson was delighted with the result and has plans to make the event an annual occurrence. “We weren’t sure how much to expect but there is obviously a real demand in the community to get rid of this stuff. Thank you to the people of Taupo for their support.”

 

There is still more e-waste to be collected from the Turangi and Mangakino Transfer Stations, so it is likely that the second container will be equally as full. Feedback from the public was very positive, with some saying they would be happy to have paid for the service. The initiative even attracted a visit from the Green Party, who were equally impressed.

 

Councillor Kathryn Uvhagen is pleased that Taupo District Council has answered the call to offer e-waste disposal. “This kind of redundant equipment can be so damaging to the environment and the last thing we want is to see it get tossed into the landfill and the hazardous materials to seep into the lake. I’m very proud of council staff for organising the event and pleased it was so successful.”