How to dispose of computers after eDay

There are a few options currently available:

1. Reuse

Repair or upgrade

It's better to repair or upgrade your equipment, rather than replace it with something new. It's usually cheaper too. Some computers can be upgraded by replacing a single component instead of the entire unit. For example, a slow-running computer may just need some more memory or its capacity boosted by a larger hard drive.

Donate or sell

If your computer hasn't reached the end of its life, you could donate or sell it.

Items in good condition can be donated to genuine charities through www.donatenz.com or sold on www.trademe.co.nz

Before donating or selling:

• make sure equipment is in good working order and reusable – don't pass on your waste disposal problem to someone else
• make the decision to sell or donate sooner rather than later – leaving equipment in storage depletes its reuse value
• remove all data from disk drives using security wipe software.

2. Store your ewaste

Store your ewaste until a permanent recycling solution is in place. The Government estimates this is still three years away (2015).

We think three years is too long. The industry and Government need to take urgent action on computer and TV recycling to ensure the hundreds of thousands of computers and televisions currently dumped in landfill each year are instead recycled.

We call on the Government to explain why it needs to take 3 years, especially when the Australians developed legislation and regulations within 18 months (and New Zealand already has the legislation in place in the form of the Waste Minimisation Act)!

Head to our Facebook page to share your support.

3. Pay for it to be recycled

ewaste collection options are emerging in the larger centres however most of these involve a charge to the person dropping off the equipment. A single CRT television or computer monitor costs from $14 to $20. While we don’t believe this user-pay model is an effective long-term solution, we do support any initiative that helps divert ewaste from landfill until product stewardship schemes are in place.  Three ‘pay-on-disposal’ options include;

1. RCN e-Cycle

The RCN Group (RCN) and Community Recycling Network (CRN) with funding from the Ministry for the Environment have established RCN e-Cycle as an everyday consumer electronics recycling solution. .35 drop-off locations are being established across New Zealand. Advertised prices range from $5 for a desktop computer to $20 for a CRT TV, although these can vary from region to region.   RCN has also established three ewaste recycling centres in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.  Visit http://www.e-cycle.co.nz/

2. TES-AMM

TES-AMM is a leading electronics waste recycler, currently serving clients on a global basis and working with a variety of clients, ranging from OEMs, CEMs, repair and servicing companies to logistics providers, electronics waste brokers, Local Authorities and National Environmental Agencies.  TES-AMM operates an ewaste processing facility in Auckland.  Visit their website.

3. SIMS Recycling Solutions

Sims Recycling Solutions offers a wide range of electronics recycling services to businesses and public sector organisations throughout New Zealand from a base adjacent to Auckland Airport.  Click here for more details.

 

4. Contact your computer supplier to see if they have a free recycling service

Dell, for example, offers free recycling of its own PCs for consumers and free recycling of any brand with a Dell purchase in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Other options for free recycling computer equipment in New Zealand are limited, but it's worthwhile asking your computer supplier or retailer if they have a recycling scheme in place. The greater the demand for recycling schemes, the greater the likelihood of them being implemented. Also ask your supplier if they take back used packaging.

 

Recycling your toner and inkjet cartridges

You can help reduce the impact of cartridges on the environment by making simple changes when buying, using and disposing of cartridges.

• Ask for cartridges with eco-labels such as Environmental Choice.
• Print draft documents with your printer set to economy mode.
• Choose a printer that requires replacement of toner only.
• Send used cartridges to a recycling programme. Take-back systems are offered through major supply companies, and some of the major office equipment suppliers and specialist refurbished cartridge companies.
• When possible, choose remanufactured cartridges with a performance guarantee.