Landfills are filling up with discarded computers as Australians replace their old tech for brand new in time for Christmas.
Reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that discarded computers, televisions and games consoles is the fastest-growing form of municipal waste, at least three times faster than regular waste.
“Whilst it is desirable to have the latest and greatest technology, we are asking Australians to consider and commit to recycling or disposing of their gadgets and equipment in the right way when making their next purchase,” said Alvin Piadasa, Managing director of TES-AMM.
“Massive amounts of energy and resources go into manufacturing electronics like the Nintendo DS or the Xbox; however, energy equals pollution; equals carbon emissions; equals loss of natural resources.”
The ABS reports state that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of electronic equipment and more than half (51 per cent) of household appliances disposed of in the 12 months to March 2009 were put out with non-recycled garbage for kerb-side collection.
