Each year millions of computers and computer-related components are purchased to replace equipment that’s been superseded by faster, more powerful technologies. Unfortunately, however, most old computing equipment ends up at the tip. This is despite mounting evidence that some components — in particular, cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors — contain high levels of toxic materials that need to be disposed of more responsibly. But unlike our international counterparts, Australia is yet to introduce significant national legislation that would help reduce the amount of computer waste ending up in landfill.

The problem

Around a million computers, not to mention other computer-related components, end up in Australian landfill each year — around three times the amount that is recycled or re-used. But the sheer volume of computer waste isn’t the only problem. More concerning is the potential harm that disposing of this equipment in landfill could cause to us and the environment. Over time, hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic found in technology like CRT monitors can leach into the groundwater, contaminating the environment and posing health risks to the surrounding population. Small quantities of lead can cause brain damage in babies and other diseases of the nervous system, blood system and kidneys.

Australia behind rest of the world

Disappointingly, Australia is years behind Europe, Asia and several US states in taking responsibility for the management of computer waste. Some overseas governments have been developing and implementing policies that make producers responsible for products at the end of their working life since 1991. In the Netherlands, for example, the collection and recycling of old computer products and other household appliances by manufacturers has been in place for several years. More recently, European Union laws were passed earlier this year that require manufacturers of electronic goods to take back old equipment and implement recycling schemes by 2005. In addition, from July 2006, the use of heavy metals, such as lead, will be banned in the production of all electronics goods, including computers and monitors.

E-waste legislation has also been passed throughout the US, including several state laws banning the disposal of CRTs in landfill. And a federal bill that would add a small fee to the purchase price of computing equipment to help fund recycling programs has recently been introduced to the US Congress.

However, with the exception of an ACT-only ban on the disposal of CRT monitors in landfill by government and businesses, Australian laws on how and where you can dispose your old computer are few and far between. And while computer waste has been identified as a national environmental concern, voluntary schemes rather than legislation appear to be the favoured solution.

Too little, too late?

In October last year, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council identified electronic and electrical equipment, including computers and CRT monitors, as a waste product of national significance. The Council is working with industry to develop a national ‘product stewardship strategy’ that would address waste issues throughout a product’s life — from production to end-of-life recycling opportunities and responsible disposal. Manufacturers, importers, suppliers, retailers, government, consumers and recyclers would each have a role in product stewardship. One possible approach, being considered for the television industry, is the introduction of some sort of levy to help cover the cost of recycling and disposing of products. According to the Council, however, no specific computer waste legislation is currently being considered and any national strategy would most likely be voluntary.

Environment agencies throughout Australia are also considering similar schemes. In NSW, for example, the Environment Protection Authority named computers as one of four key waste areas potentially suitable for extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes which aim to make manufacturers responsible and accountable for the environmental impact of their products. Schemes could include take-back programs (where consumers return products to their manufacturer at their end of life), recycling initiatives, deposits and refunds, or disposal fees.

But while it’s encouraging to see the national and state initiatives under consideration, the slow uptake of the issue is worrying. At best, it will be several years before any active measures are put in place to help reduce the amount of computer waste going into landfill. And without strict regulation or legislation, there’s little incentive for manufacturers to implement costly recycling or take-back programs. If Australia wants to seriously tackle the computer waste issue, it needs to follow the lead taken by Europe and the US and impose legislation to address computer waste management. Australia’s fledgling computer recycling industry can’t remain solely responsible for managing e-waste; governments and manufacturers must also take an active, lead role.