INFORMATION SEARCH REPORT

PRESENTATION
“What is Australia’s reaction to E-waste, in
particular to Government incentives, awareness
and disposal?”

Daniel Weissel
E-waste in Australia
 Australia is one of the most technologically
advanced countries on the planet, and our
electronic consumption is rapidly rising.
 Due to this, older and more outdated models, are
disposed of sent to landfill, which then become
known as E-waste.
 Australia had 37 million computers, and 17 million
TV’s in landfill in 2008.
 Only 1.5% of computers are recycled.
 Generally, Australians are unaware of the E-waste
crisis, and the harmful effects it causes to the
environment when not properly recycled...
 Therefore my research question looks at government
policies and incentives that aim to prevent E-waste in
Australia, on a local, state, and national level, methods
of disposal and generating awareness to the general
public.
Methodology
 All of my sources were found via various internet
programs.
 Database Searches through UOW library (Proquest,
Journal Online)
 Search engines (Google, Bing, Delicious)
 Government/Organistational Documents (pdf)
 10 sources were used, included primary, secondary and
tertiary sources.
 Sources
 SHOROC-Ban E-waste in Landfill
 An example of a local community promoting E-waste
awareness, and proper disposal of electrical products (by
banning disposal of e-waste to landfill), also offers
approaches to E-waste management and regulation (eg
shift responsibility to manufacturers to dispose waste).
 http://www.shoroc.nsw.gov.au/

 MRI- Solutions that don’t cost the earth

 An Australian company that deals with recycling
computers. Provides insight into their methods of disposal
and their goals. Disposal costs small fee, and offers
information on how and ewaste is disposed. Promotes
awareness through local recycling events.
 http://www.mri.com.au/ebrochurejul09.pdf
 Sources
 Australian Government- A National Waste Policy
 Government document that outlines schemes under consideration
that will improve Australia’s current policies on waste disposal and E-
waste.
 http://www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/consultation/pubs/nwp-
consultation-paper.pdf

 KYOCERA- Business E-waste Survey Results

 Australian organisation that aims to increase awareness of E-waste in
businesses, and warns that organisations need to take responsibility for
their E-waste disposal and companies must develop more eco-friendly
products.
 Study shows that only a third of australian organisations are actively
addressing E-waste issues, but almost 70% of employees are aware of
it’s effects. This is evidenced by limited implementation of
environmental policies and practices, eg reuse and recycling.
 http://kyoceramita.com.au/files/1/2002%20e-
Waste%20Survey%20Results.pdf
 Sources
 Byteback- Your Free Computer Recycling Solution
 An example of a Government policy on trial, in
Victoria. It is a free recycling organisation offered to
public and small businesses, that recycles computers.
Does not accept anything other than computer
equipment. Disposes of these items by breaking them
down (into glass, plastic. Etc), and sending them to
various recovery facilites for recycling. On trial until
middle of 2010. Provides links to similiar programs in
other states.
 http://www.bytebackaustralia.com.au/
 Expanding Research
 Most of the sources used were primary or secondary. I
could have used a wider variety of sources, and all were
found on the internet, could have used other forms of
research, eg create a survey/questionnaire.
 Contacted the Wollongong Council?
 Could have compared sources to look at similarities
and differences between data, methods and policies.
Contributions to Group Work
 Provide information on Australia’s E-waste situation
 Current policies, local initiatives, statistical
information on Australia’s E-waste disposal and
consumption of electrical goods etc.