News and Media

A new Envirnomental Procurement policy for e-waste

An October federal government discussion paper on ESP Policy (Environmentally Sustainable Procurement) for ICT goods illustrates the challenges Australia faces with e-waste. ICT covers goods such as laptop and desktop computers, mainframes, phones and tablets, monitors, servers, printers and other hardware accessories. Importantly, anyone dealing with Federal government departments needs to be aware of the implications of the discussion paper on new procurement categories coming into effect. …

E-waste Draws Increasing Worldwide Attention.

The health hazards associated with e-waste are drawing increasing attention worldwide. Following, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), E-waste, if not managed and recycled properly, contain a range of hazardous substances. These include heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, as well as persistent organic pollutants. Clearly, these chemicals pose significant risks to human health, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to toxic exposure. Despite the…

Recycal’s continued transition to environmental sustainability.

Ecocycle and its sister company Recycal are continuing their transition to environmental sustainability. Few groups have invested as heavily in ensuring world best practice in their processing operations. With the support of the Tasmanian government, Recycal can now shred all the unprocessed scrap generated in Tasmania. Importantly, scrap no longer has to be sent overseas or to the mainland, saving millions in freight equalisation subsidies. Rocherlea Upgrade Moreover, the group has investe…

IT Executives understand the extent of the e-waste problem.

Undoubtedly, IT executives now understand the extent of the e-waste problem. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer or distributor, the growth of electronic equipment has become a ticking environmental time bomb. According to the World Health Organization e-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world. Over 61 million metric tonnes of electronic devices, such as computers, servers, smartphones and printers were discarded in 2023. This is estimated to grow to 75 million tonn…

Disposal of vapes into landfill still a problem

Disposal of Vapes continues to be a problem.

Disposal of Vapes into landfill continues to be a problem. Import figures reveal that over 90 million vapes are coming into the country each year. Moreover, one million vapes are going into landfill each week. The problem is escalating, despite legislation passed late last year. From January 1st import of single use disposable nicotine vapes was banned. Furthermore, on March 1st, a ban on all other vapes followed, unless the importer had a licence and a permit. Sadly marketing of non-nicoti…

EU Legislators to outlaw use of Needless Mercury

EU legislators have started the process to outlaw the use of needless mercury in dental amalgam. In January members of the European parliament also voted in favour of phasing out the manufacture and export of EU banned mercury added lamps by 2025. Thereby, putting an end to double standards. They also requested studies and further work on crematoria, mercury added compounds, as well as other remaining uses of mercury in the EU. These actions should reduce emissions by up to 10 tonnes of mer…

The Toyota Prius uses nickel metal hydride batteries

Driving Change, EV Battery Recycling is still a growing industry.

Today electric vehicles (EVs) represent 7% of all new car sales. This marks a significant shift towards sustainable transportation. In Australia, the average age of a fossil fuel car on the road is 10 years. While we are well-versed in the end-of-life processes for traditional vehicles, there is still much to learn about the ageing of high-voltage EV batteries. Importance of EV battery recycling Research conducted last year by the University of Technology Sydney revealed that by 2030, 30,000 …

The concept of urban mining. What it all means.

The concept of urban mining, like so many other recycling terms needs to be explained. The general populace understands primary mining where resources in the ground are mined. Urban mining though is a new term that needs to be simply explained in terms of recovering precious metals from electronic objects that have outlived their useful life. Rather than these items going into landfill and potentially harming our environment there is a significant business opportunity in using recycled minera…

World class lithium recycling development gets the go-ahead.

Ecobatt, part of the Ecocycle group of companies has given the go-ahead for a new $30 million lithium battery recycling plant. Importantly, creating a total processing precinct for batteries at the group’s headquarters in Campbellfield, Victoria. To be operational in late 2025 the plant will use cutting edge technology from Europe. The plant will be able to process more than 30,000 tonnes of batteries per year. Above all it will provide an unmatched sustainable solution to Australia’s anticipat…

The Recycling of LEDs need more focus in Australia

With the need for energy efficient-lighting solutions increasing, the recycling of old LEDs and mercury bearing lights needs more focus. Zoltan Sekula, of e-waste recycler Ecocycle believes more needs to be done. “Increased public awareness and educational campaigns are required. We must help people understand the regulations surrounding the ban on lighting products containing mercury”. Zoltan believes that whilst the total amount of lighting products being recycled has increased in recent y…

Western Australia Champions Environmental Responsibility with E-Waste Landfill Ban

In a decisive move towards a sustainable future, Western Australia (WA) is poised to implement a groundbreaking e-waste landfill ban this year, marking a pivotal moment in the state's commitment to environmental stewardship. The comprehensive ban, a result of an inclusive public consultation process concluded last November, encompasses a diverse array of electrical and electronic items, including household essentials such as televisions, mobile phones, computer screens, data storage, refrigerato…

10th anniversary of the adoption of Minamata

10th Anniversary of adoption of Minamata

October 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Minamata Convention. A deal that showed the importance of international diplomacy when it comes to supporting environmental and health issues. It should be noted there are now 147 parties that have ratified the agreement. The agreement calls for countries to phase out mercury use in products. As well as that the agreement seeks to ban the opening of new mercury mines, and limit mercury emission into the environment. Australia w…

Global Changes in supply and demand for mercury

With the introduction of the Minamata convention there is a need to understand the global changes in supply and demand for mercury. Current estimates suggest a downward trend in both supply and demand. The supply of mercury from primary mining has not decreased as much as initially expected. Indeed, mercury recovery from by-products of nonferrous production has not yet been implemented extensively. Currently Japan’s small amount of mercury is exported after being refined. In response to an …

E-waste impact continues to grow

Without a doubt the impact of e-waste continues to grow with its significant impact on the environment. Indeed, only 12% of the nation’s computers are recycled. At this time, Australia is the fourth highest generator of e-waste per capita in the world. Poorly managed e-waste means heavy metals and hazardous waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants leak into the environment. Clearly, the risks of data leaks are also increased if the device’s storage aren't caref…

Managing Mercury Risk

Managing mercury risk is an important issue for many Australian industrial companies. Mercury causes very harmful and lasting health impacts due to its toxicity. The World Health Organisation ranks it in the top ten chemicals for public health concerns. The Minimata Convention, adopted in 2013 is a global health treaty. It was ratified by many countries to raise awareness, and control mercury supply and trade. Importantly, its aim was to reduce the use and release of mercury into the envir…

Ecocycle continues to invest in mercury waste

Importantly, the Minamata convention became a reality in Australia last year for mercury waste. This convention was the result of the historical problems caused by the mercury poisoning of Japanese fisherman, who suffered neurological problems. Mercury and other chemicals were released into the sea near their fishing grounds. Arguably the most toxic chemical to humans, Australia joined 136 other countries in ensuring that mercury could no longer be transported to landfill. As a result of us j…

Recycling Safety a Priority at Ecocycle

US Federal data on recycling safety, shows the injury rate in the waste and recycling industry fell in 2021, reaching its lowest point since 2006. US Labor Statistics reveal that the injury and illness rate fell from 3.4 incidents per 100 full-time employees, to 2.2 incidents in 2021. Industry commentators feel these numbers reflect an historic improvement in worker safety in the solid waste industry.’ Definitive data for recycling is not available for Australia. However, the impact of C…

Profiting From The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET)

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) makes it cheaper for both businesses and householders to improve their energy efficiency. Since launching in January 2009, VEET provides a rebate for replacing old, inefficient appliances or sealing windows. A major area is getting rid of halogen lights and fluorescent tubes, and replacing them with LEDs, creating a fantastic opportunity for electrical contractors. How You Can Get Started With Victorian Energy Efficiency Target VEET works like t…

Lighting recycling in Australia: A complete guide to recycling lighting waste

The best way to tackle our growing lighting waste problem is to recycle old lights — here’s a guide to recycling lighting waste: Australia is facing a serious lighting waste challenge, however lighting recycling is on the rise as people realise how easy and convenient it is. Millions of old light bulbs, tubes and lamps are thrown into landfills around the country every year even though it’s bad for the environment. A guide to recycling lighting waste What types of lighting can be recycle…

How to recycle lighting: LED bulbs, smart lights, mercury-containing lamps

People are switching on to the benefits of lighting recycling to protect the environment and combat our growing waste challenges. Millions of old light bulbs and lamps still end up in landfill every year, even though most lighting waste should be recycled. There are a variety of benefits to recycling lighting waste, such as preventing hazardous materials like mercury from contaminating habitats and waterways. When mercury-containing lights are disposed of into landfill, the mercury can …

International E-waste Day aims to boost awareness of recycling electronics

With about 50 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally, International E-waste Day is an important day to spread the word about recycling old electronics. More than 110 organisations from 48 countries took part in the latest International E-waste Day to shine a light on e-waste and encourage the public to recycle more. E-waste is made up of a range of products from personal devices such as smartphones to household appliances like white goods and air conditioners. The International E-…

Mercury and the environment

Mercury and the environment - Mercury is the most hazardous metal on the EPA’s list of industrial pollutants. If not handled or recycled correctly it is a very potent neurotoxin to humans. The largest source of mercury pollution entering our landfills is from the dumping of mercury containing fluorescent tubes and HID lamps. Australians consume over 60 million fluorescent tubes and HID lamps every year. Only around 10% of these are recycled, with the balance being carelessly dumped into landfil…

Six months on, how is Victoria’s e-waste ban faring?

More than 75 waste transfer and recycling sites across Victoria have been upgraded for e-waste collection and storage since the state’s e-waste ban started last year. The Victorian government has already committed $10.6 million to helping local governments upgrade e-waste collection services through the first round of the e-waste infrastructure support program, according to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The e-waste ban began last July, and includes anything with …

Why recycling lighting waste in Australia is so important

Did you know that the mercury contained in one fluorescent tube can pollute 30,000 litres of water beyond a safe level of drinking? This statistic alone should encourage everyone to recycle their lighting waste, and yet 95 per cent of mercury-containing lamps are still sent to landfills in Australia. The millions of used light bulbs that end up in landfill are dreadful for the environment, but we can turn this around by recycling lighting waste and urging others to do the same. Here are…

What is the future of lighting waste?

The future of lighting waste is looking brighter as light bulbs become greener and smarter, however we still have a long way to go. In Australia, millions of light bulbs are discarded into the rubbish bin and eventually end up in landfill every year. In fact, authorities estimate 95 per cent of mercury-containing lamps are still sent to the garbage tip despite free recycling programs that operate across the country. Fortunately, there are positive steps being taken as people switch to m…

3 reasons why your business should recycle X-rays and film

If your workplace has old X-rays and silver-based films gathering dust, why not recycle them and get back that space while doing the right thing for the environment. Digital radiography has largely replaced the need for traditional X-rays, however there is still a lot of old X-rays and films hidden away in hospitals, medical clinics and radiology centres. Old X-rays and silver-based films can be recycled easily, whether it’s a small amount lying around the home or commercial-scale quantiti…

Why schools play a vital role in teaching children about recycling

Our kids learn a lot of what they know at school, so there’s no better place to teach the next generation about the importance of recycling. Young people discover how to read, write, count and more at school, but recycling is one of the best lessons we can teach them. Recycling and sustainability are ideas that can be taught early on, whether it’s in a lesson plan or not. Encouraging youngsters to put paper, bottles and cans in the recycling bin can start a life-long journey of recyclin…

How dentists can better manage waste and become more sustainable

Dentists can make their practices more sustainable and improve their environmental footprint by recycling old dental amalgam, equipment and other waste. Dental fillings and electronic waste (e-waste) hold small amounts of mercury and need to be recycled to prevent the mercury from contaminating and poisoning the environment. The average dental surgery is estimated to generate half a kilogram of mercury waste every year, largely made up of used dental amalgam. While paper, glass bottles …

This is how recycling can save your business money

If your team cares about protecting the environment and lowering business costs, then an active recycling program for your workplace may be the answer. Recycling has become a serious agenda item for Australia’s business community, as regulations and public pressure mount on organisations to improve their environmental footprint. According to the HP Australia Environmental Sustainability Study 2018, 79 per cent of consumers believe companies and brands should be responsible for their impact…

Where can I recycle mercury?

Recycling mercury-containing items found around the home and workplace is good for the environment, so it’s vital to know where to recycle them in Australia. Mercury is used in many household items, including batteries, light bulbs, mobile phones, laptops and even dental fillings. Recycling mercury-containing products keeps items that have reached the end of their useful life away from landfill and protects the environment from mercury contamination outbreaks. Where can you recycle mercur…

A new Envirnomental Procurement policy for e-waste

E-waste Draws Increasing Worldwide Attention.

Recycal’s continued transition to environmental sustainability.

IT Executives understand the extent of the e-waste problem.

Disposal of Vapes continues to be a problem.

EU Legislators to outlaw use of Needless Mercury

Driving Change, EV Battery Recycling is still a growing industry.

The concept of urban mining. What it all means.

World class lithium recycling development gets the go-ahead.

The Recycling of LEDs need more focus in Australia

Western Australia Champions Environmental Responsibility with E-Waste Landfill Ban

10th Anniversary of adoption of Minamata

Global Changes in supply and demand for mercury

E-waste impact continues to grow

Managing Mercury Risk

Ecocycle continues to invest in mercury waste

Recycling Safety a Priority at Ecocycle

Profiting From The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET)

Lighting recycling in Australia: A complete guide to recycling lighting waste

How to recycle lighting: LED bulbs, smart lights, mercury-containing lamps

International E-waste Day aims to boost awareness of recycling electronics

Mercury and the environment

Six months on, how is Victoria’s e-waste ban faring?

Why recycling lighting waste in Australia is so important

What is the future of lighting waste?

3 reasons why your business should recycle X-rays and film

Why schools play a vital role in teaching children about recycling

How dentists can better manage waste and become more sustainable

This is how recycling can save your business money

Where can I recycle mercury?

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Latest News

A new Envirnomental Procurement policy for e-waste

E-waste Draws Increasing Worldwide Attention.

Recycal’s continued transition to environmental sustainability.

IT Executives understand the extent of the e-waste problem.