[Greens-Media] National E-Waste strategy needed now!

[Queensland Greens Media]

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QUEENSLAND GREENS MEDIA ALERT
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Thursday 20 September 2007


NATIONAL E-WASTE STRATEGY NEEDED NOW!



What: National E-Waste Processing Strategy proposed by Greens Senate 
Candidate for Queensland Larissa Waters

Where: Against a backdrop of computer parts in Orleigh Park, Hill End 
Terrace, West End, Brisbane

When: 10.30am, Thursday 20 September 2007 (today)






Australia should establish a national e-waste collection and processing 
strategy to ensure that the toxic chemicals in electronic devices do not 
leach into waterways, Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Lead Senate 
Candidate for Queensland said today.

"In the disposable society of the 21st century, people are throwing away 
old mobile phones, computers, MP3 players and other electronic devices 
into normal household waste, Ms Waters said.

Ms Waters said electronic devices contain harmful substances including 
mercury, lead and flame retardants.

"We urgently need to create a safe disposal system to prevent 
contaminating our precious local waterways. With our growing population 
and common use of electronics, Australia can no longer allow e-waste to 
be disposed of in landfill.

"The Australian Greens will take action to:

* Implement a national strategy to ensure e-waste is collected and 
reprocessed, ensuring individual components of old devices are re-used 
in the manufacturing of new devices where possible.

* Ensure e-waste is safely disposed of where re-use is impossible.

* Ensure government departments consider ease of reprocessing and 
environmental impact as part of their purchasing decisions.

"Many of the reusable components are very expensive, so reprocessing is 
cost-effective, Ms Waters said.

"Manufacturers and distributors of electronic devices, especially those 
which are frequently replaced such as mobile phones, should take 
responsibility for used items, reprocess as much as possible, and safely 
dispose of the remaining components.

"Educating consumers about reprocessing and safe disposal at sales 
outlets is also important. People want to minimise waste and protect our 
waterways, they just need to know how, concluded Ms Waters.


For more information:

Larissa Waters
Australian Greens Lead Senate Candidate for Queensland
0421 844 280