e-recycler launches free initiative to dispose of unwanted electronic items
Announcement posted by Leverage PR 13 Feb 2017
The days of stockpiling outdated, broken or unwanted electrical items because they are too difficult to dispose are set to become a thing of the past for South Australian homes and businesses following the launch of an initiative which will see hundreds of free, highly-visible Unplug N’ Drop stations placed across the State.
Electronic Recycling Australia spokesperson, Mr Andrew Wallace, said more than 50 purpose-built Unplug N’ Drop collection points would be located at key community locations as part of the first stage, with those numbers expected to rise to more than 600 over the coming year.
“As Australia’s mountain of unwanted electrical goods continues to grow, it is disappointing that we only recycle less than 5% of the 19.7kg of e-goods that every person discards annually,” Mr Wallace said.
“When you compare that performance with Europe, which has about 14kg of discarded electronic items per person annually and a recycling rate of 80%, then it is clear that we lag well behind international efforts to reduce landfill and impact on the environment,” he said.
“Whether it is large appliances like fridges and washing machines, or smaller appliances like toasters, kettles, vacuum cleaners, computers, monitors, entertainment equipment like mp3 players and stereos, and electrical tools and gadgets like drills and hairdryers – we are happy to take them all.”
“With more than 25.5 million handsets, Australia now has more mobile phones than people, and the 4 million that don’t work add to the volume of toxic and hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated fire retardants that go to landfill and contaminate soil and waterways – even though up to 95% of the materials could be reused or recycled.”
Minda CEO, Ms Cathy Miller, said Electronics Recycling Australia (formally known as Aspitech) had gone from facing imminent closure two years ago to now setting its sights on potential national expansion and leading the way in responsible electrical and electronic goods recycling.
“We are very pleased to support such as remarkable transformation, and the new name of Electronic Recycling Australia better explains the focus of this important social enterprise and positions it to grow beyond South Australia,” Ms Miller said.
“This is perfect opportunity for people and businesses to do the right thing by the environment, and support a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities to more than 200 South Australians with disability,” she said.“Our successful electronic and electrical recycling operation helps Minda to provide services to people with disability through sustainable employment, and enrich their lives through greater community participation and contribution in an environment that has a focus on ability, rather than disability.”
“It is a basic human right that everyone who wants to work should be provided with opportunity to learn new skills, and be confident in knowing they are contributing to the community. In addition to creating hundreds of ongoing employment opportunities for South Australians, a social enterprise like Electronic Recycling Australia helps to support the overall economic prosperity of the State.”
In addition to the free Unplug N’ Drop stations, Electronic Recycling Australia offers a reliable and cost-effective collection service for all electrical or electronic goods that has a plug, uses a charger or is powered by battery. Its EPA-approved and environmentally-compliant facility at Underdale recycles all electrical and electronic goods to the highest standards.
More about the Electronic Recycle Australia program and locations of the Unplug N’ Drop collection points can be found at https://www.electronicrecyclingaustralia.com.au/coming-soon/
About Minda
Established in 1898, Minda is the largest non-government disability support organisation in South Australia that assists people with disability to thrive in their local environments as valued members of their communities by offering residential and lifestyle services, employment and respite support.
Minda, as owner of Electronic Recycling Australia, is a major employer of more than 450 supported workers across its highly successful range of commercial enterprises. Across seven businesses, Minda provides the community with a broad range of services that include manufacturing, design, packing solutions, commercial laundry and catering.