About e-waste
e-waste is the fastest growing type of waste in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish. Computers and other electronic devices can contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. The plastic casing and wiring of computer equipment can also contain hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants.
A 2006 report titled e-Waste in New Zealand: taking responsibility for end-of-life computers and TVs prepared by the Computer Access NZ Trust estimated that there are 16 million electronic devices currently in use in New Zealand, including 10 million cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and with nearly one million being added each year. Much of this equipment is now reaching the end of its life and is being disposed of in landfills. A 2007 report prepared for the 2020 Communications Trust on "ICT in New Zealand Schools" revealed that around half of all schools have dumped old computer equipment in landfills.
The problem is that landfilling stores the waste rather than allowing for recovery and reuse of valuable materials. There's also a risk that hazardous substances will leach from landfills into surrounding land and waterways, polluting our environment.
What happens to the e-waste collected on eDay?
The table below gives some indication of the impact that e-waste can have on the environment, wildlife and human health.
Environmental impacts of some computer & mobile phone materials
For more information go to A Literature Review on the Environmental and Health Impacts of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
| Material | Main application | Environmental & heath impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic such as PVC | Cabling, computer housing, handsets and mobile phone accessories | When burnt, releases dioxins that can be carcinogenic |
| Lead | Circuit boards and other components | High toxic effects on plants and animals. Damages nervous system |
| Cadmium | SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, batteries, pigments | Can leach into groundwater. Long term exposure can result in kidney damage. Potential carcinogen. |
| Mercury | Sensors and switches on printed circuit boards, backlights for LCD displays/monitors | Highly toxic and can cause brain damage in foetuses |
Find out more about e-waste
The above information was supplied by the Ministry for the Environment, one of eDay's national supporters.
- Find out more about e-waste from MfE
- Find out more information about disposing of mobile phones
- Find out the Australian Government's definition of e-waste
