Funding Boost for WA E-Waste Projects: A Fun and Informative Boost for Sustainability

Welcome back, GFZs! Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of electronic waste management in Western Australia (Shanny's hometown, woot woot!). 

Recent news has announced a funding boost for e-waste projects in WA to address the growing concern of electronic waste and revolutionise how we manage and recycle our electronic devices. It's called 'The Infrastructure Grants Program', supporting an election commitment to ban e-waste disposal in landfills from 2024.  

The funding boost aims to support innovative initiatives focusing on sustainable e-waste management, recycling technologies, and public awareness campaigns. We are all about that education! Let's dive in deeper…

What Will The Funding Allow & What Are The Next Steps? 

The increased funding, more than $6.5 million, will be shared among 21 projects to boost Western Australia's recycling capacity of electrical and electronic waste. E-waste includes items with a plug, battery or cord that are no longer working or wanted. It is expected to divert more than 17,000 tonnes of e-waste from heading to landfill. Woot Woot! 

For some visuals, it will look a little like this…

• The purchase of specialty storage bins and recycling equipment.
• Two photovoltaic recycling facilities to reduce the disposal of solar panels to landfill. Predicted to process an additional 22,000 solar panels per year.
• Collection boxes for e-waste will be placed at four Containers for Change locations, including Wangara, Malaga, Kenwick and Cockburn, to encourage correct waste sorting. 

It will also allow for extensive research and development in e-waste management. This includes exploring new recycling technologies, efficient collection and sorting methods, and finding innovative ways to extract valuable resources from discarded electronics. Our eco-mind cogs are turning!

Education and Awareness: 

One crucial aspect of the funding boost is educating the public about the importance of proper e-waste disposal. This includes raising awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with e-waste and providing information on recycling options and drop-off points. 

We love to educate and share our knowledge about reducing waste at its source. Still, we understand that some items make their way in. We always share videos on recycling hard-to-recycle items, like Officeworks, which allow us to drop in our cords, smartphones, batteries and more! You can find our videos and more that we do here! 

Collaboration and Partnerships: 

The funding fosters collaborations between governments, recycling industries, and local communities. By working together, we can develop strategies for e-waste management, establish collection networks, and create sustainable recycling infrastructure. We are all for ensuring these larger companies and influential organisations help step in and take accountability. We are stronger together!  

Job Creation and Economic Growth: 

Another exciting aspect of the funding boost is its potential to generate employment opportunities. As e-waste management systems expand, new jobs are created in recycling facilities, repair centres, and related industries. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the local economy.

Sustainable Practices: (Our favourite point)...

The funding boost emphasises the importance of adopting sustainable practices in e-waste management. This includes promoting the circular economy concept, encouraging manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind (can we get a yeehaw!), and advocating for responsible consumption habits among consumers.

And there we have it, GFZs! As we wrap up our story about the funding boost for WA e-waste projects, we're filled with optimism and excitement for a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a real difference in preserving our environment and building a greener world for future generations! 

With more updates to this boost, we aim to keep you updated with incredible initiatives and happy Earth news. Still, in the meantime, you'll enjoy this story about New Zealand Saying goodbye to Single-Use Plastic Bags in The Produce Section, such a goodie! 

Until next week GFZs! 

Much love, 

GFZ Team xoxo