The drivers for increased collection of WEEE

There is an increasing desire by consumers for an ‘environmentally friendly’ disposal solution for their electrical and electronic equipment. There are already a number of industry-led voluntary recycling schemes for the take-back and recycling of products such as mobile phones, whiteware and IT goods and product stewardship is developing, driven by demands from government, businesses and consumers. This is expected to increase following the introduction of the Waste Minimisation Act in 2008 which enables the Minister for the Environment to accredit product stewardship schemes.

Such schemes, along with a strong international market for metals and a new levy on sending waste to landfill, will see changes in the way end-of-life electronics are disposed of in New Zealand. These changes may result in an increase in the separate collection and treatment of end-of-life electronics.


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Last updated:15 March 2011