News Room

MEDIA RELEASE - 08/10/09

Veolia Environmental Services Continues to Clean Up

Australia’s E-Waste

Veolia Environmental Services has today announced that between 2007 and 2008 it has aided the recovery of nearly 7 million kilograms of e-waste within Australia, with an expected increase in these figures for 2009.

Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with Sims E-Recycling launched Australia’s first national e-waste recycling program in 2005, and since its inception environmentally conscious organisations including universities, councils and various businesses and electronics manufacturers have been quick to support the initiative, contributing to the recovery of a significant level of e-waste.

With the Federal Government currently working with industry and all states, territories and local governments through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council about the proposed long-term solutions for end-of-life televisions and computers, the timely announcement by Veolia Environmental Services provides a tangible blueprint for the management of these problematic waste streams.

Veolia has also found support in one of Australia’s leading environmental campaigners Ian Kiernan AO. A major partner of Clean Up Australia Day since 2000, Veolia is working with the organisation to raise community awareness of the long term management of e-waste and other waste streams. Veolia is further calling for support from the Government to encourage stewardship from manufacturers and consumers alike.

”During the time we have been working with Veolia we’ve been proud to be associated with the many innovations they have implemented in the reform of waste management.

“E-waste is a challenge for our generation. Growing at three times the rate of other waste streams, its components are valuable resources that are wasted when they end up in landfill.” Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World.

Whilst in Australia legislative support for mandatory recycling of products such as e-waste has yet to be enacted, within the UK, Europe and The United States, tackling the growing problem of electric and electronic waste products has been aided by government support. Veolia Environmental Services globally has been part of providing solutions for these waste streams through the operation of e-waste treatment plants; recovering materials contained within e-waste such as metals, plastics and glass. The recovery of e-waste is especially important because it often contains hazardous substances such as mercury, cyanide-containing veneers and asbestos, which, if disposed of in traditional landfills, can pose serious threats to both the environment and the community.

“Within Australia, the recovery of close to 7 million kg’s of e-waste in only a two- year period is a tremendous result and Veolia is proud to play a part in tackling this growing problem.

As part of Veolia’s long term commitment to sustainable waste and recycling solutions we are encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the countless organisations and businesses already participating in the scheme and look forward to continually increasing e-waste recycling on a national scale”. Tony Cade, Group General Manager – Marketing, Development and Sustainability, Veolia Environmental Services

All media enquiries to be directed to Renee Fry – Corporate Affairs Manager
02 8571 0109 or 0409 459 245

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Sustainability Covenant

Veolia and the EPA recently joined together to sign the Sustainability Covenant enabling both entities to develop new prescribed waste technologies

Did you know?

Veolia's Woodlawn Bioreactor was named national winner at the Transfer Excellence Awards 2007