Western Australia injects $1M into e-waste initiatives

The Western Australian Government has invested $1 million into nine initiatives, which when fully implemented, will divert approximately 1000 tonnes of e-waste from landfill each year.

According to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, WasteSorted e-Waste grants support the WA Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 objectives to avoid waste, recover more value and resources from waste, and protect the environment from the impacts of waste.

“Tackling e-waste – which is one of the fastest growing waste streams – is a challenge for governments globally and so we’re proud to see Western Australian businesses, local governments and authorities rise to the challenge,” he said.

“This initiative saw over 50 applicants, indicating the growing interest in WA’s recycling industry which will continue to expand in years to come.

“The selected projects will support the recovery of high value material, while diverting materials which may have presented risks to human health and the environment if not disposed of appropriately.”

Combined funding of $600,000 was allocated to Curtin University, CSIRO and Epichem for research and development programs that will support new and innovative solutions to process collected e-waste and reduce the amount of e-waste ending up in landfill.

A further $400,000 of combined funding was allocated to Total Green Recycling, Marlpa Waste Logistics, Shire of East Pilbara, City of Rockingham, Western Australian Local Government Association and the City of Bunbury to enable an increase in the volume and range of e-waste collected for recycling.

“The nine initiatives funded through the WasteSorted e-Waste Grants will not only divert hundreds of tonnes of recyclable waste from ending up in landfill, but will also create jobs for Western Australians,” Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly said.

“I would like to congratulate all nine initiatives funded through this program, and thank them for their work in creating a cleaner future for us all.”

WasteSorted grants are funded through the $16.7 million New Industries Fund, which was established to support and accelerate new and emerging businesses to diversify the Western Australian economy.