Free computer recycling event on this weekend

Free computer recycling event on this weekend

Otago residents can safely dispose of their old PCs, computer peripherals, mobile phones and digital cameras at eDay this weekend.

eDay, a free computer recycling event held in over 40 communities throughout New Zealand, is expected to divert over 1,000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) from landfills around the country.

The community drive-through initiative enables residents in Dunedin, Alexandra, Wanaka and Queenstown to drop off their old computer equipment and mobile phones so they can be safely disposed of and recycled.

People wanting to drop-off e-waste at the Dunedin event can go to OPR Fullcircle Warehouse, at 85 Fryatt St on Saturday 12 September from 9am to 3pm.

The event is supported nationally by the Ministry for the Environment, the 2020 Communications Trust and the Ministry of Education which funds Computer Access NZ. National transport operator KiwiRail and international e-waste recycler CRTNZ are national partners again in 2009. Corporate sponsors include Meridian Energy, More FM, Dell, Canon, Printlink, The Laptop Company, Invo, Trade Me and NZICT.

The Dunedin event is supported locally by the Dunedin City Council, the Dunedin International Science Festival, OPR Fullcircle, Interwaste, and Earthlight.

Local supporters also include Mayor Peter Chin, Mike Harte (Director of IT, Otago University), and Jane Brady (Secretary of Sustainable Dunedin City) who will be volunteering their time to assist at eDay.

Local organiser, Susan Smirk said eDay is giving local residents the chance to clear out their garages of unwanted computer equipment. ““eDay is one of the few opportunities the public has to dispose of e-waste for free – and most people have some unwanted electronics taking up space around their homes. It's also a great chance to educate about an issue most people haven't thought a lot about – the hazardous nature of ewaste, and how many of it's valuable components can be recycled.'

In Queenstown, e-waste can be dropped out at the Wakatipu Recycling Centre, Glenda Drive, Frankton. Queenstown eDay is supported this year by QLDC, Smart Environmental and Wanaka Wastebusters.

Wanaka's drop-off site is at Wanaka Wastebusters, at the corner of Riverbank and Ballantyne Roads, Wanaka. Wanaka eDay is supported by QLDC and Wanaka Wastebusters. Alexandra residents can take their e-Waste to Central Otago Wastebusters, Boundary Road, Alexandra.

“Wanaka and Queenstown organiser, Jeremy Bisson of Wanaka Wastebusters, said eDay gives Otago residents the chance to do the right thing with their computer and mobile phone waste.

“Computer waste is growing problem, especially with so many people switching to flat screen monitors and upgrading their computers regularly. It’s a hard issue for the Queenstown Lakes area to deal with as we have a relatively small population and transport costs are high – so eDay is doubly important for our region.”

eDay is organised by Computer Access New Zealand (CANZ) and is supported by around 100 organisations throughout the country. The event is aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of recycling computer equipment.

National organiser and Chairperson of CANZ, Laurence Zwimpfer, says the need for responsible e-waste disposal services is evident from the large amount of e-waste collected at eDay 2008. “We are looking forward to a long-term sustainable solution with the passing of the Waste Minimisation Act last year, but it is likely to take many years before e-waste schemes are fully operational and understood. In the mean time, we are pleased to be holding another eDay this year to ensure that hazardous and scarce materials are not buried in our landfills,” said Mr Zwimpfer.

Last year’s eDay in Dunedin diverted 42 tonnes of e-waste from local landfills, with over 900 cars dropping off unwanted computer equipment. Organisers are expecting an even greater response this year.

All computer equipment (PCs, monitors, printers etc.), gaming consoles, mobile phones and digital cameras can be recycled in the eDay collection. Other electronic equipment including televisions and stereos will not be accepted.

CANZ advises people to wipe all data from computer hard drives as well as removable media such as floppy disks and PC cards before handing them over for recycling.

Dunedin's eDay also has a special agreement with Catridge World and the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. Ink cartridges from printers will be set aside during eDay, and the Trust given reward points based on these contributions. For this reason, the public are asked to remember to pre-remove cartridges from any printers they plan to drop off at eDay.

Sue Murray, General Manager of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust said:
"eDay is an event that can make a big difference to the environment. We have had a number of people volunteer to help on the day and are looking forward to working alongside the team from Cartridge World to make good use of printer cartridges returned on the day."
eDay's partnership with MoreFM will also have benefits for people who attend eDay. MoreFM will be present during eDay, covering the event live and also giving away numbered cards to drivers, who will then have the opportunity to tune in Monday morning, and win a Family half-day Wildlife Cruise on the Monarch, valued at $230.

With the support of Trade Me, collectable computers identified on the day will be auctioned on a special Trade Me Charity Auction site with all proceeds contributing to the costs of eDay. For more details, visit www.eday.org.nz after eDay and select the link from the homepage.

Dunedin organisers are looking for volunteers to assist at the eDay drop-off site. Volunteers are needed to help direct traffic, interview drivers about their awareness of e-waste issues and remove computer equipment from cars.

Shifts are available from 8.30am – 12.30pm and 12.00pm – 4.00pm. Visit www.eday.org.nz and click on ‘volunteer’ to sign-up or contact Susan Smirk by emailing smisu749@student.otago.ac.nz, or texting or phoning 027 600 3022, or (03) 477 8642.

eDay 2009 is a drive-through community event and is open to cars only. Schools or businesses are advised to visit www.eday.org.nz for alternative disposal options.

ENDS