Global Brands Act on E-Waste in Australia

Major television and computer brands have combined their efforts to deliver a free national recycling program commencing July 2012. The collaboration between the two industries will result in a strong partnership to cut e-waste across Australia.

Canon, Lenovo, Panasonic and Toshiba, among many other brands, have committed to fund and operate a national e-waste recycling service that will cover metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia.

The major brands have invested a number of years to achieve a combined industry program under the umbrella of ANZRP - the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform Limited. This industry-led arrangement is regarded as the most environmentally sound initiative to confront the growing volume of television and computer waste being generated by Australian households. There is no better authority on how to effectively recycle these products than the companies that made them in the first place.

ANZRP is a not-for-profit organisation driven by robust environmental criteria and represents the industry-leading model. It is informed by many years of practical experience from overseas, including Europe, Japan, Canada and the US.

The focus is on delivering a community-friendly recycling service that is environmentally responsible and cost effective. ANZRP will offer a free e-waste drop-off service for householders and small business, as well as collection events across the nation. ANZRP expects to launch its program in July 2012, following regulatory approval.

The Government’s National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme has received a major boost through the commitment and funding that will be provided through ANZRP members. Recycling rates will be significantly increased as a result of the ANZRP membership working cooperatively under the one program. An ambitious target of 80% recycling of available waste is planned by 2021.

David Klineberg, Canon’s General Manager of Corporate Strategy and Communications noted Canon’s continuing support of community e-waste recycling activities in Australia. “Not only has Canon been a strong supporter of the Product Stewardship legislation, it is now directly involved in helping to fund and promote the ANZRP recycling program, as it is the most sensible and responsible approach from an industry perspective” said Klineberg.

Toshiba Australia’s Managing Director, Mark Whittard recognised the importance of a national program that addressed both television and computer waste. “The recycling of obsolete TVs and IT equipment will translate into real environmental benefits and will help divert thousands of tonnes of e-waste away from landfill“ said Whittard.

Panasonic Australia’s Managing Director, Steve Rust reaffirmed his company’s commitment to ensuring that best practice technology is used in the disassembly and reprocessing of redundant televisions. “Panasonic is a world leader on e-waste recycling and the ANZRP program will benefit from our company’s environmental specialists who have two decades of practical recycling knowledge,” said Rust.

Alan Munro, Managing Director and Vice President, Lenovo Australia and New Zealand, reiterated the importance of making product stewardship and Lenovo’s commitment to the continued development of this program. “Lenovo keenly advocates responsible corporate citizenship. Our ongoing work with ANZRP and our own internal programs for managing our products throughout the product life-cycle attest to the strength of Lenovo’s commitment to e-waste recycling” said Munro.

ANZRP is also running training programs for recyclers and collection facilities in Melbourne during March 2012. The training will assist waste management companies and councils to address the essential site-specific safety and environmental issues when handling television and computer waste.

Visit the ANZRP website for detailed information about membership and how brands, OEMs and importers can become part of the ANZRP e-waste solution.