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DATA issue 7

Recycle IT!

Computer Collection Pilot

Australia is one of the top ten users of information technology per capita. This high level of usage, together with constant demand for new products will inevitably lead to large volumes of used or discarded equipment.

The RecycleIT! Pilot, is a collaborative effort between the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and Resource NSW and endorsed by Clean Up Australia. The pilot is testing the efficiency and effectiveness of collection models for unwanted computers from households and small businesses. It will establish a benchmark of existing waste collection infrastructure, computer re-use, recycling rates and cost structures for collecting, transporting and recycling.

The pilot tested four collection models: a waste transfer model, a retail outlet model, a one-day event model and a school collection model. Collections were completed in April 2003 and equipment is currently being re-used and recycled.

Results from the pilot will be used to inform the development of a voluntary collection and recycling scheme for computers and peripherals, based on the concept of product stewardship. This concept entails an ethic of shared responsibility for the lifecycle of products through to, and including, their ultimate disposal. Under this voluntary scheme, participants in the electrical and electronic product chain accept responsibility for the environmental impacts associated with their sphere of activity.

Results of the pilot will be available soon from the AIIA. For further information contact Larissa Shashkof at the AIIA on: 02 6281 9439 or email: l.shashkof@aiia.com.au.

• Document ID: 13166 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 6:33pm