E-waste ban begins next month

ELECTRONIC waste will no longer be accepted in kerbside bins or landfills from next month, with Surf Coast residents able to take it to transfer stations in Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea instead.

The Victorian government has introduced the e-waste bin ban to help protect the environment.

E-waste – any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted – is growing three times faster than the rate of other types of municipal waste.

It can contain hazardous materials including heavy metals that can leach into the soil and groundwater and cause lasting environmental contamination.

Cr David Bell welcomed the ban.

“It’s a positive move by the state government to take action and divert these items from landfill,” he said.

“From July 1, Surf Coast residents need to take their e-waste to one of our transfer stations in Anglesea, Lorne or Winchelsea where it will be accepted free of charge.

“From there it will be collected and pulled apart. Valuable components will be able to be retrieved, and the hazardous materials will be removed.”

Cr Bell said before people took their e-waste to a transfer station, there were other options to consider.

“If you have an item that is still working and simply not wanted, you could offer the goods to friends or family.

“Another option is to see if the item can be repaired. Perhaps you could take it to a handyman you know who might be able to work some magic, or to the local Repair Café Surf Coast.”

For more information about the council’s e-waste drop-off points, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/WasteAndRecycling.

To find out about more about the e-waste ban, head to ewaste.vic.gov.au.