ARRANGEMENTS are currently being made with key infrastructure works to prepare for the state-wide ban on electronic-waste (e-waste) entering landfills, which comes into effect on July 1 this year.
E-waste is growing up to three times faster than general municipal waste in Australia and is the fastest growing waste item in landfills worldwide. E-waste refers to anything with a plug, battery or cord which is no longer working or wanted.
Many electronic products contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, arsenic or phosphor and when left in landfills, these materials can leach into groundwater and soil, or release into the air, creating long term contamination issues and human health issues.
With the help of the Victorian Government funding, Greater Shepparton City Council will be working in partnership with Sustainability Victoria and the Goulburn Valley Waste and Resource Recovery Group to upgrade Shepparton’s Resource Recovery Centre to ensure safe handling and disposal of various kinds of e-waste.
Greater Shepparton City Council manager works and waste, Janelle Bunfield said the upgrades included renovations to provide weatherproof containments for e-waste items.
“Sustainability Victoria awarded council a grant of $145,000 as part of their multi-million dollar investment into upgrading state-wide facilities,” Mrs Bunfield said.
