Canberra computer recycling day looms

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 01 October 2009 12:03

Science - Energy

Canberra residents will soon have an opportunity to responsibly dispose of unwanted computer equipment. Dell and the Australian National University are organising another recycling day.

This isn't the place to get into an argument about different companies' 'green' credentials. But there seems to be little question that e-waste is a growing problem.

Just putting dead or obsolete computers into the general garbage stream isn't a good idea, as it adds to landfill and prevents the recycling of useful materials.

You're lucky if you get kerbside recycling of such items more than once a year, and it isn't unusual for a charge to be levied if you take the scrap gear to a recycling centre.

So it's worth supporting events such as the Dell/ANU community recycling day, which will be held on Saturday October 17 at the ANU car park opposite  Old Canberra House, Lennox Crossing.

Old computer equipment of any brand - but nothing else - will be accepted for recycling. Even cables and ink cartridges can be recycled.

The 2007 event in Canberra collected 35 tonnes of e-waste, more than at any other Dell recycling day in Australia. In all, such days have recovered over 140 tonnes of equipment.