November 11 to 17 2024 is National Recycling Week, an ideal time to reflect on the importance of recycling electronics. Electrical Recycling Australia (ERA) is proud to showcase its significant contributions to e-waste management and environmental sustainability.
Being backed by Bedford, our efforts not only reduce the environmental impact of electrical waste but also create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.
The E-Waste Challenge
In South Australia alone, an estimated 36,400,000 kilograms of e-waste is produced annually, with the average person contributing about 20 kilograms per year. This staggering amount underscores the critical need for responsible e-waste management.
Electronic Recycling Australia’s Environmental Impact
We are proud to have made an impact in tackling the e-waste problem.
So far this year:
- 4,759 e-waste deliveries received
- Average delivery weight: 471 kilograms
- Daily average intake: 10,285 kilograms
- Total e-waste processed: 2,242,292 kilograms
To put this into perspective, the amount of e-waste Electronic Recycling Australia has processed this year would fill Coopers Stadium’s pitch area to a height of about 2 metres. This mountain of e-waste includes a diverse range of items such as TVs, laptops, phones, modems, desktop computers, electronic games, printers, photocopiers, DVD players, and radios.
Plugging in to Environmental Benefits
Electronic Recycling Australia’s recycling efforts have had a substantial positive impact on the environment, which includes:
- E-waste received that equates to 912,612 kilograms of CO2 emissions
- This recovered e-waste saves an additional 16,427,016 kilograms of CO2 emissions by reducing mining, logistics, and manufacturing activities
To offset this amount of CO2, an astounding 509,237,000 trees would need to be planted!
Powering Community Impact
As important as recycling of electronics and electrical products is, Electronic Recycling Australia is not just about recycling; it’s about creating opportunities. We proudly employ more than 50 people, with more than 30 of our team members having experienced barriers to employment, including disability. This commitment to inclusive employment practices demonstrates our dedication to both environmental and social sustainability.
The Road Ahead
While Electronic Recycling processes an average of 3,500,000 kilograms of e-waste annually, there’s still work to be done. With South Australians producing an estimated 36,400,000 kilograms of e-waste each year, we’re continuously striving to increase our recycling capacity and raise awareness about responsible e-waste disposal.
Join the Recycling Revolution
This National Recycling Week, we encourage all South Australians to be part of the solution. By responsibly recycling your electronic and electrical devices with Electronic Recycling Australia, you are not just decluttering your space, you are contributing to a greener future and supporting local employment. Let’s work together to turn the tide on e-waste and create a more sustainable world for generations to come. Remember, every device recycled counts towards a cleaner, greener planet – not to mention meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disability.
To find out where you can drop off your unwanted electronic items, click here.
To find out about recycling mattresses at another Bedford-backed enterprise, Bounce Back Mattress Recycling, click here.
