Appeal for help in e-waste battle

Residents in Moreton Bay Region are being urged to help cut e-waste, such as old solar panels, televisions, fridges, computers and air conditioners.

The Queensland Government has released a draft e-Products Action Plan, targeting the major issues around electronic waste.

“Australia generates about half a billion tonnes a year and we’re recovering only 18 per cent of the material value of all this,” State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said.

“One of the biggest issues is how do we stop dumping of old solar panels. I think we can do much better than sending them to landfill.

“We want to see 80 per cent of e-waste collected and 90 per cent of that material recovered. 

Have your say

"We have a draft Action Plan and we’re encouraging people to have their say.

“Part of the draft plan is a possible ban on dumping solar panels at Queensland landfills within 10 years.”

Mr Whiting said the plan also details how much e-waste is generated. “That is a real eye-opener,” he said.

“We’re also investing $250,000 to kick off an industry-led solar stewardship scheme for solar panels.

“We need to shift our mindset towards more reuse and repair as well as recycling.”

To have your say on the plan click here