ACT GOVERNMENT HELPS TACKLE E-WASTE DISPOSAL

The ACT Government is encouraging the responsible disposal of e-waste items such as computers and televisions with a $25,000 grant to a private recycling company, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today.

Mr Stanhope said the Government's InnovationConnect (ICon) grant program is helping establish a Canberra-based recycling facility, Renewable Processes, at Parkwood Recycling Estate in Macgregor.

"The ICon grant program awarded to Renewable Processes last September was $25,000 in funding support to assist in establishing complete on-site recycling of electronic waste products."

Owner/operator Mr Neris Pilka said: "The ACT Government's ICon program has provided us with a major boost, helping us to achieve a significant amount of on-site development and become operational within a short period.

"By establishing a complete recycling service here, Renewable Processes aims to provide a viable option for the responsible management of e-waste for rural areas and towns across southern and mid-New South Wales."

Mr Pilka said significantly, Renewable Processes accepts televisions for recycling as well as IT equipment, recognising they are an increasing waste product due to the impending abolition of analogue TV.

"The CIT Centre for Science and Forensic Engineering has also assisted in the development of material and mineral separation technologies, allowing for the recycling process to include the retrieval of precious metals contained within electronic equipment to be extracted and recycled for new applications."

Renewable Processes is not a free, drop-off service.

Mr Pilka said: "Just as there's a charge to take rubbish to the tip and for it to be disposed of, there is a charge to take your equipment to us for it to be recycled."

Mr Stanhope said: "With vast amounts of electronic products being outdated and disposed of each year, effective and safe methods of managing this waste are in high demand. Using this service is a responsible method of disposable of electronic equipment that would otherwise end up as landfill."

"I commend Renewable Processes on addressing a global problem by establishing such a valuable and innovative service here in Canberra."

Further information on Renewable Processes is available on their website: www.renewableprocesses.com.au
Media Contact:

John Schalch
62058500
0434 667 317
john.schalch@act.gov.au

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Jess Wurf
6205 0504
0411 772 700
jess.wurf@act.gov.au