Putting e-waste to good use

UNWANTED electronic items can be dropped off at Cardinia Shire Council’s e-Waste collection point in Purton Road, Pakenham, this weekend.
Unwanted battery-operated items or those with an electrical cord are classed as eWaste, and they include computers, televisions, vacuum cleaners and other small household appliances.
A drumMuster will also be held at council’s depot on the same day from 10am to noon.
Clean and empty farm chemical containers can be dropped off during this time.
Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen said the items dropped off at the collection point would be recycled.
For this reason, Cr Owen said it was particularly important that unwanted computer parts were deposited as eWaste.
“Dumping computers into landfill is especially harmful to our environment.
Toxic chemicals can leach into the soil and threaten the health of people and ecosystems,” he said.
“Besides, computers are often made of precious materials like gold and platinum, which can be recovered in the eWaste process.
“Putting waste into landfill is also expensive for council and therefore, for residents too.”
Residents are reminded that white goods cannot be deposited as eWaste.
eWaste drop-offs will be held at council’s depot in Purton Road, Pakenham, on Saturday 4 May from 9am to 2pm, and at Bunyip Primary School in Longwarry Road on Saturday 11 May from 9am to 1pm.