The responsible management of e-waste has been a long-term priority, and one of the most important foundations for the development of a green industry and a sustainable community. We are now seeing the fruit of nearly a decade’s work dedicated to establishing responsible computer take-back and recycling schemes based on a partnership between our industry, government at every level, and the wider community.

Byteback Australia

AIIA partnered with the Victorian Government and a number of AIIA members (Apple, Canon, Dell, Epson, Fjitsu, Fuji Xerox, HP, IBM, Lenovo and Lexmark) in 2007 to establish ‘Byteback’, a voluntary and ongoing end-of-life IT equipment collection and recycling program: www.bytebackaustralia.com.au

With additional support from Brother and Officeworks, Byteback opened eight permanent drop-off sites in key metro and regional locations. An additional month-long collection event was also trialled in a number of key regional towns in the North East of the State. Byteback, which is still in operation today, offers a free drop-off service to all residents and small businesses across Victoria who want to dispose of the end-of-life equipment in a responsible way. 

This program is providing our industry with significant insights on how we move forward under the national scheme with a responsible program underpinned by a regulatory safety net to ensure broader industry participation. To date, over 2500 tonnes of IT equipment (over 700 000 pieces of IT equipment) has been processed through the Byteback program.

National Computers and Television Recycling Scheme

At the 17th meeting of the Environmental Protection and Heritage Council, held in November 2008, a decision was made by the council to support the ICT industry and TV industry in its endeavour to establish a responsible and sustainable collection and recycling program. This was one of the most significant and important developments in e-waste management over the past decade.

The council noted that there were a number of brands that were not taking responsibility for their products and this was part of the reason for establishing a legislative framework that ensures broader participation.

As a result, the Federal Government is currently developing legislation and regulations for a national e-waste scheme, which it will bring into place in 2011.

At a State level we are also involved in ongoing and productive dialogue.

A measured and structured approach is needed. We are currently negotiating targets and a roll-out plan.
The ICT industry and government are on a clear path to delivering successful e-waste outcomes to the Australian community on the back of many years work.

Latest update!

Read the latest update on the National Computers and Television Recycling Scheme on the AIIA Blog.

Links

Byteback Australia official website

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts one-stop e-portal

Contacts

Josh Millen
National Policy and Program Manager, Sustainability
M: 0417 231 137