E-waste is one of the world’s most complex and toxic waste streams – and it increased by a massive 82% globally over 2010-2022, reaching a record 62 million tonnes (Mt) in 2022. According to the United Nations’ fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), less than a quarter (22.3%) of the 62Mt of e-waste generated in 2022 was documented as being properly collected and recycled, “leaving US$ 62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for and increasing pollution risks to communities worldwide.” 

 
But let’s rewind for a moment – what exactly is e-waste and why is it such a problematic waste stream? E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to any item disposed of that has electronic circuitry or components. Phones, laptops, kitchen appliances, hair dryers, heaters, and so on – essentially any item that uses batteries or has a cable or plug. E-waste often contains hazardous toxins, such as mercury and lead, which can leach into the environment when disposed of improperly and harm humans and wildlife. In addition to hazardous toxins, e-waste often contains other valuable materials (such as gold, silver, and copper), which represent huge financial losses when they end up in landfill. There is also the social and environmental toll to consider in extracting more of these materials, such as the modern day slavery conditions of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Looking locally, it’s estimated that in Aotearoa we generate 19.2kg of e-waste per capita, which is well above the 17.1kg average of OECD countries, and close to three times the world average of 7.3kg. It’s also estimated that only 2% of the e-waste we generate is recycled properly, significantly below the global average of 17%. Again, this represents millions of dollars of wasted resources, and the potential for a significant amount of toxins leaching into our environment. In the European Union, there is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in place that requires the separate collection and proper treatment of e-waste, which has increased recycling rates to 55%. Aotearoa, conversely, has no equivalent legislation putting pressure on producers and consumers. A Right to Repair Bill was recently pulled from the New Zealand Member’s Bill ballot, which could potentially change that – you can read more about that in our blog here. 

A recent survey commissioned by Echo, found that 61% of NZ businesses aren’t disposing of their e-waste, with 45% of those business-owners saying they simply don’t know what to do with their e-waste, and another 35% saying they don’t have time to dispose of it properly. Are you one of those businesses struggling to purchase electronics and dispose of them responsibly, or an individual looking to do the right thing? Here’s what you can do: 

• Before letting an item become e-waste, double-check whether it is actually ‘waste’. If it’s functional, but you no longer need it, donate it. If it’s broken, see if it can be repaired – look online for a local repair shop or take it into your local repair café. 

• If the item in question is definitively broken and unusable, look for a local e-waste recycler where you can drop it off or who can collect from you. Below are a few national options: 

• Tech Collect offers drop-off locations across the country, including at a number of Noel Leeming and Warehouse Stationery locations. 

• Remark-IT offers e-waste pick-ups nationwide. 

• E-Cycle offers drop-off locations and pick-ups nationwide. 

• If you’re a business, create a policy (or amend an existing procurement or sustainability policy) to require the purchasing of refurbished or repaired electronics wherever possible. This helps to drive the market for refurbished/repaired items, and also reduces the environmental and social impact of purchasing new. In that same policy, or a related one, stipulate that e-waste must be disposed of responsibly (i.e. into an e-waste recycling bin that is regularly collected or dropped off for recycling). At Go Well, we have a ‘sustainable procurement’ section under our procurement policy, which highlights  our commitment to leasing items or purchasing secondhand or refurbished. One of our favourite retailers for refurbished products is Reebelo 

• International E-Waste Day 2024 is coming up on October 14 and is a great way to engage your staff/coworkers in responsible e-waste disposal. Invite your team to bring in their broken electronics, run an educational session, and drop off your collection at a local e-waste recycler.  

Interested in developing e-waste policy and/or delivering a ‘lunch and learn’ for your staff? Get in touch. 

Written by Kate Lodge, Sustainability Consultant at Go Well Consulting.