News and Media

Why do we recycle e-waste?

With new electronic devices becoming cheaper and more widely available, the need to recycle electronic waste, also known as e-waste, has never been more important. E-waste is more than just old mobile phones and televisions — it includes anything that plugs into a power point or runs on batteries and has reached the end of its useful life. E-waste includes broken items, as well as obsolete products that have been replaced by newer models. The rapid growth in electronics technology has s…

How to safely dispose of mercury-containing lamps

With millions of mercury-containing lamps and light bulbs dumped in landfill every year, recycling old lamps and lighting waste has never been more important. Mercury-containing lamps include small compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) fitted in homes, fluorescent tubes often found in offices and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps used for streetlights. Mercury-containing lamps are the single largest category of products with mercury, according to the Department of the Environment and Energy.…

Emotional attachment, frugality hinders e-waste recycling in Australia

Australians are holding onto electronic waste rather than recycling it because they’re thrifty and have emotional attachments to old devices. Frugality and attachment were the main reasons people kept old electronics at home, according to new research conducted by Monash University. The research, which involved 650 people across three studies, showed at least half of the participants owned two or more computers, while 16 per cent owned at least four. Electronic waste (e-waste) has grown…

How do I dispose of mercury?

Ordinary items like light bulbs, batteries and mobile phones contain toxic mercury, which can lead to serious health consequences unless it’s recycled. Fortunately, there are only small amounts of mercury in most everyday products, meaning they are safe to use at home and in the workplace. That said, mercury-containing waste like used batteries can produce health and environmental hazards if this waste is thrown in the general waste bin and makes its way to landfill. Recycling mercury-c…

Ecocycle buys first AI-powered mercury-safe technology

Ecocycle has acquired the first automated ‘mercury-safe’ flat screen recycling machine from Irish firm FPD Recycling, as Australia’s e-waste challenges mount. The FDP PRO is a fully automated recycling system that can safely and efficiently recycle flat panel displays, including televisions, monitors and laptops. It can depollute up to 60 displays in an hour and features a state-of-the-art filtration system to protect workers from exposure to mercury, lead and other hazardous materials. …

How to dispose of and recycle mercury-containing waste

Mercury can have a catastrophic effect on human health and the environment when mercury-containing waste is dumped in landfill instead of being recycled. Mercury is found in plenty of everyday items from your ceiling lights to the batteries in household devices, and even in your dental fillings. But when things containing mercury reach the end of their useful life, it’s important to dispose of them responsibly rather than throwing them in the general waste bin or putting them in the cupboa…

How to promote recycling in the workplace

Workplaces are taking recycling more seriously these days, but successful recycling programs hinge on staff engagement and making it as simple as possible. Companies and organisations, big and small, are implementing their own recycling activities to recover reusable materials and reduce what ends up in landfill. These efforts are not only good for the environment, they also save businesses money and give them an edge in attracting new customers and retaining staff. That said, effective…

Why are smart lights a better option for lighting?

Smart lights are changing our homes and workplaces for the better, using much less electricity and offering automation bonuses over traditional light bulbs. There has been a real buzz around smart lights, as one of the everyday items that most people can automate in their own home thanks to the rise of smart home technology. These internet-connected light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are great for managing your home and work lighting more efficiently, but they also have fun features like tur…

How can I recycle electronics?

Televisions, computers and smartphones keep us entertained and connected, but our appetite for electronics is creating some serious waste and recycling challenges. Australians love their electronic devices, with almost nine in ten Australians owning a smartphone and 76 per cent of us owning a laptop, according to a 2018 Deloitte survey. But old and broken electronic devices have become a big problem for the environment, with Australia becoming one of the leading e-waste generators in the w…

Fun facts: Why is recycling important?

Did you know Australians produce 1 tonne of plastic waste every minute but only 11.8% gets recycled? All of that unrecycled plastic, plus all the other types of waste out there, eventually ends up polluting our beloved beaches, parks and the great outdoors — something we all want to avoid. Recycling is one of the most effective ways you and your family can help protect the environment, whether it’s throwing a drink bottle in the recycling bin or taking an old laptop to your council drop-of…

What do smart lights mean for the future of lighting recycling?

Switching to smart lights is important for the future of recycling, slashing the amount of energy used on lighting while improving our environmental footprint. Smart lights use light emitting diodes (LEDs) and have been widely welcomed in homes and workplaces for their technological features like remotely turning on the lights on, via a mobile phone or voice assistant, and adjusting brightness. While these tech shortcuts are fun and useful, smart lights really shine when it comes to energy…

Victorian electronic waste (e-waste) ban in full swing

Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is keeping a close watch as the state’s ban on dumping electronic waste into landfill recently came into effect. The e-waste ban means anything with a plug, battery or power cord that is no longer working or wanted must be taken to a council or business collection point rather than thrown into your household bin. The state’s environmental watchdog has been visiting e-waste collectors to make sure e-waste has been handled safely and secure…

3 reasons why dentists should recycle dental amalgam fillings

Dental fillings are an important part of oral healthcare, but the dental amalgam used to fill our cavities should be recycled to protect the environment. The small amount of mercury found within dental amalgam is safe for humans, but old dental fillings typically end up going down the drain when your dentist replaces them. So much so, it’s estimated that the average dental surgery generates half a kilogram of mercury waste every year. Luckily, dentists can do their bit by installing an …

Ecocycle unveils new branding

It’s a new day for Australasia’s leading mercury recycler, Ecocycle, after the company revamped its branding to strengthen its various recycling services. Ecocycle, formerly CMA Ecocycle, recently updated its branding to highlight its different business units, which will also include Ecobatt and Ecoe-waste. “There are so many different products that can be recycled in the sector today, however we focus on specific products and niche markets rather than being a general waste company,” said …

How do I recycle a MacBook, notebook and laptop computers?

When it’s time to upgrade your MacBook, notebook or other laptops, you can do your part for the environment by recycling it in a few easy steps. Whether your old battery has finally died, or you just need an upgrade, there comes a time when we have to dispose of our ageing laptops. In the past, many laptops have ended up in the general waste bin and taken to landfill, contributing to Australia’s growing electronic waste problem. E-waste is one of the fastest growing forms of waste in th…

How to recycle a fluorescent lamp

Fluorescent lamps are found in our homes, workplaces and public spaces, yet most of these lights end up in landfill even though they can be recycled. Authorities estimate 95 per cent of mercury-containing lamps are sent to landfill in Australia these days despite free recycling programs that run across the country. One of the big reasons to recycle fluorescent lamps is that they contain highly toxic mercury. While there is only a small amount of mercury in each light, the huge volumes o…

How do I recycle smart lights?

Homeowners and businesses are increasingly choosing energy-efficient smart LED lights over regular bulbs, but how do you discard them once they’re done? Smart lights are light emitting diode (LED) bulbs typically controlled by a smartphone app, which can remotely switch them on and off, adjust the brightness and other handy actions. These lights have become a popular option in homes and workplaces, as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) wave to link everyday devices to the internet and ea…

Illegal gold mining in Peru results in devastating environmental impacts

The Peruvian government is tackling illegal gold mining deep in the Amazon, where deforestation, mercury contamination and human trafficking have proliferated. For years, miners have defied authorities and unlawfully extracted gold from alluvial deposits in riverbeds, driven by high prices paid for the precious metal. In February, government authorities deployed hundreds of police officers and soldiers to the Madre de Dios region, in southeast Peru, to close down the illicit trade. Whil…

Victorian state-wide ban on e-waste starts in July 2019

As Victoria’s electronic waste ban takes effect next month, the State Government has committed $16.5 million to help local councils prepare for the move. A state-wide ban on discarding e-waste into landfill will take effect from July 1, requiring residents and businesses to discard old electronic devices at dedicated collection points. E-waste covers all electronic waste – anything with a plug, battery or cord that is at the end of its useful life, including old mobile phones, computers, w…

3 things that dental and medical clinics may not know they can recycle

Dental and medical professionals provide healthcare every day with the help of various tools, many of which can be recycled when disposed of properly. While some medical and dental products can be discarded in the normal recycling bin, others contain hazardous materials such as mercury and need to be handled through specialist services. Recycling mercury-containing products prevents the toxic metal from ending up in landfill and potentially leaking into waterways, which can have devastatin…

Can I recycle LED light bulbs?

LED light bulbs can be recycled just like other lighting waste however, these energy-efficient bulbs have to be discarded correctly to reap the benefits. While LED, or light-emitting diode, bulbs are made of non-renewable materials like glass and aluminium, these resources can be recovered through recycling and then reused in new products. LED lighting can be disposed of in the rubbish bin, but it’s better for the environment to check with your council if LED lamps can be recycled and wher…

How do I recycle old printers?

Printers are upgraded more often nowadays to keep up with new models, but what should you do with your old machine once you’re finished with it? Used printers, like most electronic and electrical devices, can be recycled today despite many old machines still ending up in land fill. With Victoria’s e-waste ban coming into effect from 1 July 2019, printers should not be discarded in general waste bins. Australia faces a serious e-waste challenge, and is one of the top five biggest produce…

Ecocycle acts to ensure integrity of Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program

To retain integrity and help prevent fraudulent activity, Ecocycle will issue digital signatures for VEU and ESS recycling certificates. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program* (formerly called the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target, or VEET) is a scheme in which ‘accredited persons’ replace energy-inefficient products with more efficient ones in homes and non-residential premises. They are then able to create a number of Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) that reflect t…

5 benefits of recycling mercury-containing waste

Recycling mercury-containing waste goes a long way in protecting the environment, but did you know that there are additional benefits? Mercury is found in some surprising places around the home and workplace, including batteries, lighting, computers, televisions and even teeth fillings. While the mercury in these products are safely contained for everyday use, even a small amount of the toxic material can have a destructive impact when it is dumped in landfill. The mercury-recycling mov…

How to dispose of and recycle amalgam waste

Dentists have long used dental amalgam to fill cavities in teeth, but practitioners are increasingly recycling old amalgam instead of discarding it. Dental amalgam needs to be disposed of responsibly otherwise dangerous materials like mercury can have a devastating impact on the environment. While the amount of mercury in dental amalgam is safe for most people, it can convert into highly toxic methylmercury when it ends up in our waterways and contaminates the fish that we eat. It takes…

Why is recycling important for the future?

Recycling is one of the most important ways to protect the environment, reducing waste bound for landfill and reusing non-renewable materials. As a society, we buy more food, clothes and other products than ever before, creating huge amounts of rubbish as a result. Australia faces a serious waste challenge, generating an estimated 67 million tonnes of waste in 2016, according to the latest official figures. That’s a whopping 2.7 tonnes of waste per capita each year. But we are also r…

How to dispose of mercury-containing light bulbs

When fluorescent tubes and other mercury-containing lights burn out, there are some simple steps to safely dispose of them. Fluoro tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CPLs) contain small amounts of mercury and are commonly found in homes and workplaces. While there are only tiny quantities of mercury in each light, the millions of fluorescent tubes and CFLs tossed in the bin each year constitute the largest source of mercury bound for Australian landfill. So when bulbs stop working and…

5 benefits of recycling e-waste

Vast quantities of phones, appliances and other electronic waste (e-waste) end up in landfill every day, even though most of it can be recycled. E-waste can be anything that is no longer needed and plugs into a power point or runs on batteries, including old televisions, refrigerators, lighting and even hearing aids. Australia is one of the world’s biggest producers of e-waste, so every effort to recycle electronic waste at home and work helps. Here are five advantages of recycling e-wa…

UN, global authorities come together to tackle e-waste

Upgraded recycling programs, better designed devices and more buy-back schemes are needed to tackle the rising tide of e-waste globally, according to a new report. Several United Nations bodies, the World Economic Forum, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) have come together to advocate for an overhaul of the current electronics landscape in the new report, A New Circular Vision for Electronics. The call to action comes as 50 million tonnes of electronics and…

How do I recycle old power tools?

Power tools make up a substantial portion of Australia’s electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). Traditionally they’ve ended up in landfill at the end of their working lives, but with states rolling out bans on the dumping of e-waste in landfill, power tool owners will need to find new ways to dispose of old tools. The only viable (and, in the long term, legal) method of disposing of power tools will be to recycle them. A typical power tool mostly contains aluminium, steel, copper and p…