E-waste banned from landfill

Mayor Adrian Weston said recycling old electronic items allows for valuable materials to be re-used and aligns with the statewide ban that came into effect on July 1.

"Any item with a plug, cord or battery that is no longer required is e-waste and can be taken to any of council’s transfer stations for recycling free of charge," Cr Weston said.

E-waste is accumulating up to three times faster than general municipal waste and it contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium which is harmful to the environment.

It does however contain valuable resources that can be reused such as gold, silver and copper.

"Up to 90 per cent of computers, phones and televisions can be recycled. In fact almost all parts in your old electronics can be used in something new," Cr Weston said.

Cr Weston said recycling e-waste reduces what is sent to landfill, minimises consumption of raw materials used to produce electronic products, and reduces greenhouse gases created in the production of new materials.

"We encourage the community to take their unwanted e-waste to any of council’s eight transfer stations where collected materials will be diverted from landfill and recycled properly," he said.