TechCollect NZ leads the charge in e-waste recycling supported by the Ministry for the Environment

New Zealand, 29th July 2020: TechCollect NZ has received $320,000 from the Ministry for the Environment's Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) to expand its pilot program, and develop, refine and recommend regulated product stewardship scheme design options for e-waste under New Zealand's Waste Minimisation Act (WMA).

Operating as a not-for-profit, TechCollect NZ had collected and recycled more than 53 tonnes of e-waste, reducing the amount of unwanted and end-of-life electrical products entering New Zealand's waste stream.

The funding would allow TechCollect NZ to expand its pilot program to provide at least 40 free drop-off sites across the country, striving to recover 200,000 kg of electronic equipment each year and recycle up to 95% of materials collected.

Michael Dudley, Senior Policy Manager, TechCollect NZ, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Ministry for the Environment to tackle rising volumes of e-waste and help New Zealand transition towards a more circular economy."

"As the demand for new technology increases so does our e-waste footprint, with nearly 100,000 tonnes of e-waste generated in New Zealand each year. By offering New Zealanders a free e-waste recycling solution that is convenient, safe and secure, the expanded service will help us understand what system of shared responsibility will work best in New Zealand." — Michael Dudley

Oliver Hill, Country Manager, HP New Zealand, said: "At the very core of HP's business is the need to create a lasting sustainable impact on the environment and society. The launch of TechCollect NZ creates an important platform for the technology industry to come together and work as one."

Consumers and small businesses could recycle e-waste through TechCollect NZ, including items such as laptops, cameras, mobile phones, tablets and accessories. Electrical goods were dismantled and processed by The Recycling Group (formerly Croxley Recycling), with data securely destroyed and components sorted into process streams where valuable materials were recovered.

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