Electronic and electrical waste, or ‘e-waste’, covers a range of items we all use and discard at work and at home. It includes, but is not limited to, televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances and white goods.
While e-waste is not one of the main waste streams generated in Australia, it is one of the fastest growing and has significant opportunities for material recovery.
E-waste contains materials which may present risks to human health and the environment if not disposed of appropriately. It also contains recoverable materials, often including materials that are high in value.
E-waste to landfill ban in Western Australia: Public Consultation
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking public comment on approaches to delivering the ban in Western Australia, outlined in E-waste to landfill ban in Western Australia: Consultation Paper, January 2023.
Banning e-waste from disposal to landfill supports the state government’s vision for a low-carbon Western Australia with a healthy environment and secure water resources for future generations. The ban also supports the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 vision for the state to become a sustainable, low-waste, circular economy in which human health and the environment are protected from the impacts of waste.
E-waste in Western Australia
Information and data on e-waste can be found in the 2021 report on Western Australian Material Flows Analysis [PDF 6 MB].
Unwanted electronics can be reused by giving them to someone who does want them, such as family, friends or neighbours. E-waste unable to be reused or repaired may be collected by local councils, or taken to a drop-off point.
E-waste management initiatives in WA aim to complement national action and support the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 objectives to avoid waste, recover more value and resources from waste, and protect the environment from the impacts of waste.
Western Australia supports implementation of national product stewardship schemes, where the schemes provide measurable benefits to the State.
Related links and resources
E-stewardship
The federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is seeking feedback on e-Stewardship until 25 February 2022
2021-21 WasteSorted e-waste grants
The grants were focussed on innovative programs and e-waste collection.
GREAT sorts take things to a drop-off point
Items not suitable for kerbside recycling collection bins, such as e-waste, can be taken to drop off points.
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
Access to free industry-funded collection and recycling services is available
Battery Stewardship Scheme
The BSS is a national voluntary scheme designed to encourage recycling and better waste management of end-of-life batteries
Photovoltaic Systems and product stewardship
Western Australia is working collaboratively to support a national approach. Nationally, an estimated 6 to 7 million tonnes of waste is generated from photovoltaic systems per year