How Much E-Waste Is Created In New Zealand Every Year?
The exact amount of e-waste created in New Zealand every year is difficult to determine, as there is no comprehensive national e-waste data collection system. However, according to a report by the Ministry for the Environment in 2020, it is estimated that New Zealand generates approximately 98,000 tonnes of e-waste each year. That’s approximately 20 kg of e-waste from computers and other electronics from every person each year.
This report also notes that only around 2% of e-waste is recycled in New Zealand, with the majority of e-waste being disposed of in landfills or exported overseas. To address this issue, the New Zealand government has implemented a plan to introduce mandatory e-waste product stewardship schemes, which will require producers to take responsibility for the collection and safe disposal of their products at the end of their useful life. But I personally want to be part of the solution now.
Tell me more about e-waste in New Zealand
E-waste is a growing concern in New Zealand, as it is in many countries around the world. E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to any computer or electronic device that is no longer wanted or needed, including computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other electronic equipment.
As mentioned earlier, it is estimated that New Zealand generates approximately 98,000 tonnes of e-waste each year. The majority of this computer e-waste is disposed of in landfills, which is not only harmful to the environment but also a waste of valuable resources.
Some of the hazardous components found in your old computer include lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. These substances can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. For example, if it’s incinerated or landfilled, toxic chemicals can be released into the air, soil, and water.
To address the issue of e-waste in New Zealand, the government has introduced a plan to implement mandatory e-waste product stewardship schemes. This means that producers of electronic equipment will be responsible for ensuring that their products are collected and safely disposed of at the end of their useful life.
In addition, there are a number of initiatives and organizations in New Zealand that are working to raise awareness about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal and increase the amount of e-waste that is recycled. For example, the Ministry for the Environment has developed an e-waste guide for businesses, which provides information on how to dispose of e-waste responsibly. The Trust also organizes annual e-waste collection events around the country, where people can drop off their unwanted electronics for recycling. There are also collection places in the local EcoDrop stations too.
The future of e-waste and other computer junk is likely to continue to be a significant environmental and social challenge, as the global consumption of electronic devices continues to increase. However, there is also a growing awareness of the issue and a growing number of initiatives aimed at addressing it.
Here’s six different things you can do to help…
- Reduce electronic consumption: The best way to reduce e-waste is to reduce the amount of electronics we consume in the first place. This can be done by buying only what we need, repairing or upgrading existing devices, and avoiding the latest gadget trends.
- Reuse electronics: If a device is still functional, it can be reused by donating it to a charity, giving it to someone in need, or selling it second-hand. This extends the useful life of the device and reduces the need for new electronics to be produced.
- Recycle electronics responsibly: If a device is no longer functional or repairable, it should be recycled responsibly. Many communities have e-waste recycling programs that allow residents to drop off their electronics for safe and responsible recycling. It is important to ensure that the recycler is reputable and follows environmentally sound practices.
- Support electronics manufacturers with responsible e-waste policies: Consumers can support electronics manufacturers that have responsible e-waste policies, such as take-back programs or extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. These programs hold manufacturers accountable for the disposal of their products at the end of their life.
- Educate others about e-waste: Raising awareness about the issue of e-waste and how to reduce it is essential for reducing its impact. This can be done by educating family, friends, and colleagues about responsible electronics consumption and disposal practices, and encouraging them to take action.
- REPAIR of course! Computer Help NZ can help repair most computers, laptops, desktops, iMacs and MacBooks.
One possible future scenario for e-waste is the development of a more circular economy model for electronic devices. In a circular economy, products are designed to be reused, refurbished, or recycled, rather than disposed of as waste. This would require a shift in the way that electronics are designed, manufactured, and consumed, but it could lead to a significant reduction in e-waste and the associated environmental and social impacts.
Another possible future scenario is the development of more advanced computer waste recycling technologies, which could allow for a wider range of materials to be recovered from e-waste, including rare earth metals and other valuable resources. This could help to reduce the need for virgin materials and minimize the environmental impacts associated with their extraction and processing.
It is also likely that there will continue to be efforts to improve the collection and management of e-waste, both at the national and international level. This could include the introduction of more comprehensive e-waste product stewardship schemes, as well as the development of more efficient and effective e-waste collection and recycling systems.
Conclusion
Overall, while the future of e-waste may be challenging, there are also opportunities to develop more sustainable and responsible approaches to electronic consumption and disposal, and to work towards a more circular and resource-efficient economy.
Give us a call if you need help with repairing your computer or laptop.