Wave goodbye without the guilt
29 April 2015
It's now easier to say goodbye to your old electronics without harming the environment thanks to a new service being offered within the district.
You can now drop your unwanted TVs, cell phones, computers and other electronics at the Waste Management Transfer Station in Te Awamutu for a small fee.
Once collected at the transfer station, 95 per cent of the material from old electronics is recyclable and is handled by community organisation South Waikato Achievement Trust, working in partnership with Waste Management NZ Ltd.
The South Waikato Achievement Trust (SWAT) provides accommodation, support and employment for disadvantaged people and those with disabilities in the South Waikato district.
Waipa District Council's Waste Minimisation Officer, Hope Williams, is excited this programme has started in Te Awamutu and will be encouraging residents to use the service.
This is fantastic news for the district as it is not only keeping electronics out of our landfills but is also providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, said Ms Williams.
Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of waste around the world. People have been asking for an e-waste service in Te Awamutu for a while now and it's great that it's now so convenient. SWAT have also just set up a collection point in Hamilton, proving that it's becoming a popular service.
SWAT representative, Gary Olney, is pleased to extend the service in to the Waipa District as the Trust will be able to provide for more disabled and disadvantaged people.
We are a not for profit community organisation, and the recycling service will be financially self-sustaining from the charges levied upon some e-waste items and the material recovered. Where possible, e-waste is refurbished to provide a low cost purchase option for the disadvantaged.
The fees vary from $2 to $20 depending on the electronic device. Smaller pieces of equipment like copier toners, pvc wire cables and cell phones are free to dispose of.
Mr Olney also confirmed that other recycling service options are currently being investigated in Waipa, particularly in Cambridge.
We would love to extend our service further within the Waipa District, this depends on finding the right waste provider to work with and having a collection point set up. Watch this space!
For more information on what you can recycle and the associated fees phone Waste Management on 0800 101 010 or visit them at 8 Daphne Street, Te Awamutu.
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Stephanie Slattery, Senior Communications Advisor 027 807 3478.