Electronic Waste (E-Waste) or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is defined as obsolete, broken or end of life electrical or electronic devices. Examples include computers, computer screens, fax machines, TVs etc. It is one of the fastest growing categories of hazardous waste in the world. The situation is exacerbated by rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence. 

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Why is e-waste considered hazardous?

 

E-waste in the majority of countries is still deposited in landfills or dumped. The danger of this is that toxic chemicals in electronics products can leach into the land and contaminate water streams over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. In many European countries, regulations have been introduced to prevent e-waste being dumped in landfills due to its hazardous content. Incineration is also practised, which releases heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury into the air. Mercury released into the atmosphere can bioaccumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish – the major route of exposure for the general public. If the products contain PVC plastic, highly toxic dioxins and furans are also released.

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E-waste is also still being shipped by developed countries to developing countries, often illegally or without government permits. Unprotected workers, often children, are employed by amateur operators to extract valuable materials and other components are just dumped in the environment.

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The ITAD NZ E-WASTE solution

 

We work with local and international accredited recyclers to ensure the process and controls are operated and managed at the highest environmental levels.
We provide solutions to businesses, schools, government organisations and end users.

We also offer destruction certificates with serial number tracking if requested.

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What makes us different?

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We provide a convenient, environmentally and socially responsible solution, supported by industry knowledge and expertise. We offer a national solution to all New Zealand stakeholders and provide a user friendly web enabled solution, complemented by account managers to guide you through the process. Some of our additional differentiators include:

 

Responsible and environmentally friendly recycling process

Turn key management of all ‘end of life’ IT equipment

Data destruction and shredding of components

Utilise New Zealand product recyclers where possible

Collection and national consolidation solutions

Maximum diversion of product from landfill

Conform to international movement of waste regulations

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Some Components Found in e-Waste Include:

 

• Lead – CRT Tubes & Solder.

• Arsenic – Older CRT Tubes.

• Selenium – PCBs & Power Supplies.

• Polybrominated biphenyls – Added to plastics as a flame retardant.

• Antimony trioxide – Added as flame retardant.

• Cadmium – PCBs & Semi-conductors.

• Chromium – Corrosion protection in steel.

• Cobalt – Added to steel for structure.

• Mercury – In switches & housing.

• Metals.

• Plastics.

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