AUSTRALIAN RECYCLERS READY TO RIP

Tuesday, 27 October 2009 08:42

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Industry and green groups say Australia could have an electronic waste recycling scheme by mid-2010 if federal and state environment ministers deliver on new laws at their meeting next week.

“It’s been a five year wait due to government procrastination, but the scheme could be rolled out by June 2010, generating environmental benefits and green jobs,” said Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment Centre (TEC). “But only if the Commonwealth plays ball by linking imports to involvement in the recycling scheme.”

Meanwhile tens of millions of end-of-life TVs and other electronic goods are heading straight to landfill, wasting rare resources and creating a toxic legacy.

“There is no time to waste,” said John Gertsakis, Executive Officer of the TV industry’s Product Stewardship Association. “In simple terms, industry is asking to be regulated to ensure a level playing field for all companies.”

“Minister Garrett and his State counterparts hold the key to permanently solving an increasingly serious environmental problem. Next week’s meeting will test whether Australia’s environment ministers are serious about e-waste. A poor decision from governments will not only disengage the TV industry, it will also fail the community and their desire for a sustainable future,” said Gertsakis.

Environment Victoria Campaigner Fraser Brindley said that the federal government must introduce a national e-waste recycling scheme while analogue television transmission is being phased out. "Australia is facing a turnover of the entire stock of televisions. A national e-waste recycling scheme goes hand in hand with the transfer to digital television."

“The recycling industry needs effective Federal safety net regulation such as import licensing to give business certainty. This must include stringent enforcement and associated penalties to ensure that all TV and computer manufacturers and suppliers take on their e-waste recycling and waste management obligations,” the groups said.