“The policy includes a landmark scheme for recycling computers and televisions, with householders able to drop off used computers and TVs for recycling free of charge”, Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced.
“Under the new product stewardship scheme, 80 percent of all TVs and computers are expected to be recycled by 2021,’’ Mr Garrett said.
The product stewardship framework will also provide support through voluntary accreditation of community and industry run recycling schemes.
There is a strong focus in the policy on taking responsibility, through product stewardship, to reduce the environmental, health and safety footprint of manufactured goods through design, manufacture, supply chain, consumption and at end of life.
It is unclear at this stage if the framework will be expanded to include other electrical products, other than computers and TVs, but New Zealand exporters would be wise to ensure they have a sustainable disposal solution for any product in the Australian market.
In other areas, the lighting industry and key stakeholders are working with government to increase the recycling of mercury containing lights and, in partnership with governments, the tyre industry is also developing a scheme to increase recycling in Australia of used tyres.
Source: Media releases from The Hon Peter Garrett MP Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and the Environment Protection and Heritage Council
