Standard on e-waste protects workers and environment

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Standard on e-waste protects workers and environment

Businesses and organisations that handle e-waste are strongly encouraged to make submissions on a new Standard. Standards New Zealand Chief Executive, Debbie Chin, says the draft joint Australia-New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5377 Collection, storage, transport, and treatment of electrical and electronic equipment will provide those who handle e-waste with best practice guidelines to process electrical and electronic waste.

‘AS/NZS 5377 seeks to provide guidance and specify requirements for the safe and environmentally sound collection, storage, transport, and treatment of e-waste.’

‘The main objectives of the draft Standard are to protect human health and to protect the environment, whether the e-waste is destined for re-use or recycling purposes. It aims to maximise re-use and material recovery; reduce or eliminate the amount of waste from equipment going to final disposal operations such as landfill; safeguard worker health, and minimise harm to the environment.’

Debbie says the list of appliances covered by the draft Standard is comprehensive and ranges from large items like cooling appliances, ovens, washing machines, computers, and freezers through to electric knives, cameras, lamps, sewing machines, and medical devices.

‘In an age where technology is constantly improving, the amount of e-waste is growing. It is important that everyone involved in handling e-waste is following safe and environmentally sound procedures.
‘It is also significant that other countries’ national Standards and industry-developed Standards were drawn on in the development of AS/NZS 5377.’

To make a submission on AS/NZS 5377 Collection, storage, transport, and treatment of electrical and electronic equipment visit www.standards.co.nz and click on the link ‘Draft Standards open for public comment’. Submissions close 15 May 2012.
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About Standards New Zealand
Standards New Zealand is the operating arm of the Standards Council, and part of New Zealand’s standards and conformance infrastructure. Standards New Zealand is an autonomous Crown entity responsible for managing the development and distribution of Standards across a range of sectors nationally
Standards New Zealand is a self-funded, not-for-profit organisation, relying on revenue primarily from contracts with sponsors to develop Standards, and from sales of Standards publications. Our independence helps us facilitate a cross section of stakeholders’ contributions to the development of Standards, and ensure that each Standard meets the needs of end users.
www.standards.co.nz

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