Recycle e-waste responsibly

Now is the time for households to prepare to get rid of old computer and cell phone equipment in an environmentally friendly way, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said today at the official launch of eDay 2008 at RemarkIT Solutions Ltd.

eDay will be held on the weekend of October 4 and 5 with 32 collection points around New Zealand. It provides households, small businesses and schools with an opportunity to drop off old computer equipment in the knowledge that it will be recycled in a sustainable way and not end up in a landfill.

"In New Zealand over 25 per cent (825,000) of our mobile phones are no longer being used, and over 250,000 unused computers are stored in homes.

"When dumped in landfill, e-waste can harm both the environment and human health. eDay is a fantastic opportunity for households to deal with their e-waste in an environmentally responsible way," Trevor Mallard said.

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