As we are increasingly reliant on technology it’s important that electronic devices reaching their end of life are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
Of particular concern are the number of televisions and computers (including associated products) being sent to landfill. Electronic waste (or e-waste) contains hazardous materials including heavy metals and glass which if broken or damaged pose environmental risks.
About 90% of what's used to make televisions and computers can be recycled, yet more than 1.5 million are dumped in Australian landfills each year. Other e-waste can also be readily recycled. To stem the flow of e-waste to landfill the South Australian government has set in place policies which complement the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Building upon existing bans, as of 1 September 2013 computers, televisions, fluorescent lighting and other e‑waste are banned from direct disposal to landfill across all of South Australia under the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010.