WA mulls e-waste ban
Western Australia is considering banning electrical and electronic waste disposal at landfill sites.
The state is looking at banning sending small household appliances and similar waste to landfill, bringing it into line with existing national product stewardship schemes for future circular economies.
E-waste items include anything with a plug, battery or cord that are no longer working or wanted.
The state says its planned ban - to kick in from 2024 - will include televisions, mobile phones, computers, screens, data storage, white goods, batteries, medical devices, lighting and lamps.
Future phases of the ban would capture small household appliances like kettles, toasters and vacuums, photovoltaics including solar panels, as well as monitoring and control equipment.
The McGowan Government has put aside $14 million to support the implementation of the ban, with more than $10 million to go towards infrastructure grants to boost the State's collection, storage, processing and recycling network capacity.
The ban is intended to significantly increase the amount of e-waste that is reused or recycled, including items from drop-off points, local government collections and businesses.
The public consultation period for the plans is open until 31 March. For more details, to read the discussion paper or register for an information session, visit consult.dwer.wa.gov.au