The need for local e-waste management and recycling in Aotearoa

A new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report commissioned by TechCollect NZ clearly demonstrates the need for, and benefits of, responsible e-waste management and recycling in Aotearoa.

Michael Dudley, Senior Policy Manager for TechCollect NZ, commented:

"Our pilot programme has broken down some of the biggest barriers obstructing greater e-waste recovery and recycling in Aotearoa right now — namely cost and convenience. TechCollect NZ's national network of drop-off locations provides Kiwi households and small businesses with a no-cost service to dispose of their unwanted and end-of-life ICT equipment safely and responsibly."

Environmental benefits

According to the report, each tonne of e-waste processed by TechCollect NZ's pilot programme prevents 2,052 kilograms of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere — equivalent to planting 30 trees. Since its inception, the pilot programme had processed over 185 tonnes of e-waste, equating to more than 5,500 new trees planted.

"Aotearoa has a very green energy grid compared with offshore markets such as Australia which are more reliant on fossil fuels. This means recycling e-waste in New Zealand contributes far less to CO₂ emissions than processing e-waste overseas."

The Recycling Group

"Our programme partners at the Recycling Group have had a major part to play with these outcomes and this is why TechCollect NZ has chosen to work with them as one of the standout market leaders in New Zealand's e-waste sector."

Click here to view the full report →

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