The Western Australian Government has allocated $5.4 million funding to increase e-waste storage, collection, recycling and processing throughout the state as part of the second round of its E-waste Infrastructure Grants Program.
That program, which supports the government’s commitment to reduce the number of electronics and electrical items going to landfill, has previously provided $4.5 million in grants to local governments, small businesses and not-for-profits, bringing the government’s total investment in e-waste recycling to nearly $10 million.
E-waste includes items with a plug, battery or cord, including computers and mobile phones, as well as home appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
Grants are awarded to infrastructure projects that support the increasing recycling capability and capacity throughout the state, including regional Western Australia.
Among successful stream one recipients, City of Gosnells received $150,000 to integrate e-waste collection at the city’s community recycling and education centre.
Salvos Stores will use $57,560 funding to acquire 40 additional ‘Test and Tag’ machines for its stores, train and certify 40 selected workforce team members and increase electronics test and tag from 21 stores to 44 (out of 54 stores).
Ecocycle received $1,750,000 in stream two to deliver innovative e-waste processing and recycling processing technology at Kwinana Beach. The technology will increase Ecocycle’s recycling capacity and capability to recovery valuable materials and will provide a complete recycling solution to the increasing concerns around handling and processing of embedded e-waste such as toys, laptops and e-cigarettes in Western Australia.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the government is committed to banning e-waste disposal in landfill, and has delivered.
“These grants will support infrastructure that increases Western Australia’s e-waste reuse, storage, collection, processing and recycling capabilities, creating jobs and supporting our state’s circular economy.”
An e-waste to landfill ban came into force in Western Australia on 1 July, 2024 fulfilling a government commitment to help the state move towards its goal of becoming a low-waste, circular economy.
The ban is aimed at industry rather than households, with banned items having recovery pathways in place to ensure a smooth transition, aligning with national product stewardship arrangements, and supporting local industry capacity.
To find out more, visit: www.wa.gov.au
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