Source: MakeLemonade.nz
Ōtautahi – A new state-of-the-art machine that sorts and shreds electronic waste has officially started operation in Tāmaki Makaurau today.
Computer Recycling new blublox machine has begun shredding tech waste after being supported by a $1.5 million grant from the government’s waste minimisation fund.
The blublox machine is a step forward for New Zealand in its transition toward a circular economy. It is estimated Aotearoa’s e-waste recycling rate is at less than two per cent. This is well behind other countries, and the machine will help New Zealand catch up with those showing the way.
Because e-waste contains valuable materials such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, palladium and brass as well as hazardous toxins, including mercury, being able to recover and recycle e-waste has economic, as well as human and environmental health, benefits safely and efficiently.
The blublox machine shreds and optically sorts hard to recycle electronic waste in an enclosed negative pressure system, which can recover up to 90 per cent of e-waste components.
Hard to recycle electronic waste includes flat panel displays, laptops, televisions, mobile phones and light bulbs. The majority of e-waste is lamps and flat screen items.
The technology will expand Computer Recycling’s e-waste processing capacity from an average of 1300 tonnes a year to 2000 tonnes annually. As more e-waste becomes available, the processing capacity of the equipment can be lifted to 6000 tonnes or more per year.
In July 2020, the government declared electrical and electronic products as one of six priority products for regulated product stewardship schemes under the Waste Minimisation Act.
An important part of the transition to a low-waste circular economy is improving the infrastructure needed to recycle, which is often supported by the waste minimisation fund.
There is no mandatory recycling of e-waste in New Zealand but some e-waste is recycled through commercial and non-profit organisations as well as by private individuals.
There are good reasons to recycle electronic waste because it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it can reduce the reliance on conflict minerals, and it can help local economies.
Reducing consumption, repairing, refurbishing, and repurposing are all better alternatives to recycling.
E-waste could be defined as any discarded item that is able to conduct electricity that is not recycled or reused. Major e-waste items are computers and other types of IT equipment, televisions, mobile phones, appliances, and batteries.
