E-waste collection service off to a flying start

The free E-waste Collection Service trial started last 23 February has been a success according to Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions and Bankstown City Council.

In one weekend, Bankstown residents dropped off 11 tonnes of electrical equipment, handing in a broad range of items from computers and office equipment, to household appliances, televisions and power tools.

“To receive 11 tonnes over the first weekend is a fantastic result that has exceeded our expectations,” said WSN Environmental Solutions’ CEO Ken Kanofski.

“This response not only demonstrates that Bankstown residents care about their environment; it also highlights the need for a national approach to recycling computers and electrical equipment, involving government and manufacturers.”

“For council, our primary aim was to make residents aware that electrical appliances can not be placed in either the regular household waste or recycling bins, but instead needed to be disposed of at a specialist recycling centre. Last weekend’s results appear to indicate that our residents understand and support this,” Mayor of Bankstown, Clr Tania Mihailuk said.

Kanofski said WSN wishes to establish Sydney’s first permanent drop-off service for a broad range of e-waste, but this needed support from manufacturers and governments.

“Now is the time for governments and manufacturers to end their stand-off over the issue of extended producer responsibility,” Kanofski said.

“We have seen over the weekend that residents clearly want to recycle their old electrical items, so a coordinated approach is long overdue.”

A total of 169 cars visited WSN’s Chullora Recycling Centre over the weekend. About 850 items were received, including personal computers and associated equipment, sewing machines, radios, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, blenders, dishwashers, electric drills and whipper snippers.

The Free E-waste Collection Service for Bankstown residents will continue until 9 March at WSN’s Chullora Recycling Centre, Muir Road, Chullora.