A green solution for unloved computers (6-Sep-07)
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Full article: A green solution for unloved computers (6-Sep-07)
Byteback, the joint project between the Victorian Government and the Australian Information Industry Association is hoping to encourage homes and small businesses to send in old computers for recycling; as opposed to dumping them in landfill.
There is talk of the project expanding nationally. Large non-technology organisations may be added to the project as they too produce significant levels of computer waste due to the nature of their business.
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A new recycling scheme aimed at tackling Australia’s growing mountain of unloved idle computers will be launched in Victoria tomorrow.
It’s hoped Byteback, the joint project between the Victorian government and the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) to be launched in Geelong, will encourage homes and small businesses to send in old computers for recycling, rather than dumping them in local landfill.
The scheme is partly a response to a report commissioned by Environment Australia in 2001, which estimates 1.6 million computers and 1.5 million printers will end up in landfill this year.
“A lot of computers and peripherals are ending up in landfill,“ AIIA chief executive officer Sheryle Moon said.
“We’re missing out on an economic opportunity. The more we can recycle and use, the greater the cost saving.”
The Byteback scheme, with nine collection centres throughout Melbourne and Geelong, may be expanded across the state next year.
Each centre will receive computers, printers, monitors and other peripheral devices free of charge. The items will be broken down and sent to various recycling centres across the state.
Ms Moon says she believes there is a strong desire in the community to recycle computer waste, as seen in projects such as the Mobile Muster.
But she admits she doesn’t know exactly how much waste is out there.
Organisers say they hope the scheme will be expanded nationally and include collection of other electronic items such as televisions and home entertainment systems.
“We are also exploring another tier of participants, large non-technology organisations who, by their nature, generate significant levels of computer waste. These may include government departments, major banks and financial services companies,” Ms Moon said.
- Source: thewest.com
