Disposing of e-waste will soon be easier than ever, with Officeworks helping to boost the number of collection sites available across Victoria, ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban starting on 1 July 2019.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Officeworks in Richmond – one of 42 Officeworks e-waste drop-off collection sites to be upgraded thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $25.3 million Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund.

From 1 July 2019, any item with a plug, battery or cord can no longer be placed in kerbside bins and instead must be deposited at a designated e-waste drop-off point.

The Officeworks sites will collect mobile phones, ink cartridges and IT waste items, forming part of a network of more than 1,000 locations across the state that will take a range of e-waste items.

The ban will ensure valuable materials left inside e-waste can be safely recovered and reused, while reducing the damage electronic items can have on the environment and human health.

E-waste is the fastest-growing stream of waste worldwide and covers everything from old mobile phones, computers, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair dryers, TVs, heaters, and air-conditioners.

The Labor Government has also invested $16.5 million to help councils across the state upgrade their e-waste collection and storage facilities, and deliver an education program to support the ban on e-waste in landfills.

To learn more about e-waste in Victoria and find your nearest drop-off point go to ewaste.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re making sure Victorian households know how to dispose of e-waste properly and easily ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban on 1 July.”

“It’s great to see businesses like Officeworks getting on board to ensure all Victorians to have a convenient drop-off point close to home.”

“E-waste contains valuable materials that we can recover and reuse, but if left in the wrong place, they can also harm the environment and human health – this is why it’s so important these items are disposed of properly and don’t end up in the rubbish.”