Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
What is e-waste?
E-waste is anything that needs a plug or a battery to work.
With changes in technology, households and offices are likely to have numerous electronic gadgets, many of which will only last a few years. These include everything from computers, TVs, printers and DVD players to hairdryers and electric mixers.
Batteries hidden in waste are potential fire starters
After recent fires caused by batteries at both the Goolwa and Strathalbyn Depots, the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority urges users of kerbside bins and depots to recycle batteries by taking them to the nearest depot for FREE disposal.
Empty gas bottles up to 9kg can now also be recycled for FREE at depots.
For more information on safe storage of used batteries visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/batteries
Why is e-waste a problem?
E-Waste is the fastest growing waste stream in Australia. It contains many components, such as precious metals, that should not be sent to landfill.
The manufacture, use and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment purchased by Australians is estimated to generate over 42 million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
The issues are:
- Use of finite raw materials.E-waste can contain precious resources such as gold, copper and silver. Extraction of these elements gives them a second life.
- Toxic chemicals and heavy metals. E-waste such as computers and TVs are made up of many different components. This can include hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, chromium and brominated flame retardants which can contaminate the landfill and leach into the soil and water.
- E-waste takes up valuable space in landfill.
How to recycle your old e-waste
E-Waste products can be disposed of at the Goolwa Waste & Recycling Depot, 1226 Port Elliot Road, Goolwa. Fees and charges may apply.
For further information, please contact:
Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority
Phone: (08) 8555 2467
Website: www.fleurieuregionalwasteauthority.com.au
Email: admin@frwa.com.au
Chemical Waste
The EPA / Zero Waste SA provides a service for the collection of hazardous household wastes and farm chemicals at a depot operated at the corner of Magazine Road and Henschke Street, Dry Creek.
The normal opening hours of this depot are between 9.00am and 12noon on the first Tuesday of the month. Commercial waste is not accepted through this service.
Accepted items include:
- Pesticides/insecticides/herbicides
- Solvents
- Thinners
- Acids/alkalis
- Paints, varnishes, stains
- Waste oil
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pool chemicals
- Batteries
Items not accepted include:
- Explosives, ammunition, boat flares (contact local Police station)
- Pressurized gas cylinders (contact EPA for further advice)
- Radioactive materials (including smoke detectors) - Refer to Radiation Branch of EPA
- Asbestos: Contact EPA or SafeWork SA for advice on the removal & transport of Asbestos. Please contact Goolwa Waste & Recycling Depot for the conditions of disposal of Asbestos.
Mobile hazardous waste collections are held from time to time at various locations. Check the FRWA website www.fleurieuregionalwasteauthority.com.au for updates.