Free computer recycling event on this weekend

Free computer recycling event on this weekend

New Zealand residents can safely dispose of their old PCs, computer peripherals, mobile phones and digital cameras at eDay this weekend.

eDay, a free computer recycling event being held in close to 40 centres throughout New Zealand, is expected to divert over 1,000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) from New Zealand landfills.

The drive-through event is being held in Invercargill, Wanaka, Alexandra, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch, Amberley, Greymouth, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Nelson, Takaka, Motueka, Murchison, Wellington, Kapiti, Masterton, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Hawera, Stratford, New Plymouth, Napier, Gisborne, Opotiki, Rotorua, Whakatane, Tauranga, Hamilton, Manukau City, Auckland City, Waitakere City, North Shore City, Waiheke Island, Whangarei, Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Kaitaia from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 12 September.

eDay is a community event organised by Computer Access New Zealand (CANZ). The event is aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of recycling computer equipment and the dangers of dumping e-waste in landfills.

National Organiser and Chairman of CANZ, Laurence Zwimpfer, says the need for responsible e-waste disposal services is evident from the large amount of e-waste collected at eDay 2008. “There will be a long-term sustainable solution with the passing of the Waste Minimisation Act but it could take another three years before e-waste schemes are fully operational. We are pleased to be holding another eDay to ensure that hazardous and scarce materials are not buried in our landfills in the interim,” said Mr Zwimpfer.

Last year’s eDay diverted 946 tonnes of e-waste from landfills, with over 16,000 cars dropping off unwanted computer equipment across the country. Organisers are expecting an even greater response this year with more New Zealand communities taking part in the event.

The event is supported nationally by the Ministry for the Environment, the 2020 Communications Trust and the Ministry of Education which funds Computer Access NZ. National transport operator KiwiRail and international e-waste recyclers CRTNZ are national partners again in 2009. Corporate sponsors include Meridian Energy, More FM, Dell, Canon, Printlink, The Laptop Company, Invo, Trade Me and NZICT.

Only computer equipment, gaming consoles, mobile phones and digital cameras can be recycled in the eDay collection. Other electronic equipment including televisions and stereos will not be accepted.

CANZ advises people to wipe all data from computer hard drives as well as removable media such as floppy disks and PC cards before handing them over for recycling.

With the support of Trade Me, collectable computers identified on the day will be auctioned on a special Trade Me Charity Auction site with all proceeds contributing to the costs of eDay. For more details, visit www.eday.org.nz after eDay and select the link from the homepage.

eDay organisers are looking for volunteers to assist at the Manukau, Waitakere and Christchurch drop-off sites. Volunteers are needed to help direct traffic, interview drivers about their awareness of e-waste issues and remove computer equipment from cars.

Shifts are available from 8.30am – 12.30pm and 12.00pm – 4.00pm. Visit www.eday.org.nz and click on ‘volunteer’ to sign-up.

eDay 2009 is a drive-through community event and is open to cars only. Schools and businesses are advised to visit www.eday.org.nz for alternate disposal options.

ENDS

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