Disposal of Electronic Waste @ UOW
The next ewaste collection for UOW sites
is planned for 23rd or 24th April 2013.
Please nominate items by 15th April 2013 to be included in the collection
What items are considered electronic waste?
What is the process for electronic item disposal at UOW?
What happens with reusable items?
What happens with items that can't be reused?
When are UOW ewaste collections?
What to do with items of UOW ewaste between ewaste collections?
What about my personal electronic waste?
What items are considered electronic waste?
The following is a list of the type of items that are considered electronic waste and are not to be disposed of via the normal waste collection processes (landfill).
- Computers
- Monitors
- Printers
- Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables)
- Laptop batteries
- Fax machines
- CD’s and DVDs (non-confidential disposal only)
- Cables (power and other)
- Speakers
- Mobile phones
- Telephones
- TV's and VCRs
- Air conditioning units (Note: these can only be disposed of via ewaste if they have been degassed via an approved contractor. Contact the Facilities Management Service Centre to arrange for this to be done prior to the ewaste collection)
Please do not use the ewaste collection to dispose of print cartridges. UOW has a print and toner recycling collection boxes around the various campuses and you can recycle these all year round. For more information on print cartridge recycling visit Print Cartridge Recycling.
What is the process for electronic item disposal at UOW?
Staff are encouraged to identify UOW computers and related equipment no longer in use or working in their area. They should then advise ITS via the ITS Support Wizard (for those areas under managed desktops) or the local IT personnel regarding the equipment.
Please provide the following minimum information about the items identified:
- Make and Model,
- Condition (working or not)
- If it is on the UOW asset register and provide the asset number
- Where it is located (building and room number)
What happens with reusable items?
Where ever possible unwanted electronic items that are still in good working condition will be reused. All unwanted electronic items are to be listed by ITS and IT faculty representatives via the ITS Support Wizard. Staff are able to find out what is available for reuse within the University by contacting the Environmental and Sustainability Initiatves Unit who will search the ewaste items and put you in contact with who has the items. Don't forget to update the asset register if items are transferred from one area of the University to another.
All items available for the reuse must be removed from the UOW Asset Register and if relevant have UOW Data removed and/or destroyed. Please be aware that ITS desktop support is not available for items that are reused.
What happens with items that can't be reused?
Items that cannot be reused are sent to a specialised waste contractor who will certify that the items have been recycled. Prior to sending it off to be recycled all items must be removed from the UOW Asset Register and if relevant have UOW data removed and/or destroyed. All items are also to be labelled by IT/ITS staff with an ewaste label prior to the items being placed out for collection. To obtain labels please contact Environmental and Sustainability Initiatves Unit
A regular collection of these items (at least 2 per year) is organised by the Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives (ESI) Unit with significant support and assistance of the ITS and Faculty Staff.
When are the UOW ewaste collections?
The collections are planned to be held each April and September (see top of page for next scheduled collection date). Please identify unwanted electronic items and advise your local IT personnel or ITS via the ITS Support Wizard (for those areas under managed desktops) at a minimum 7 working days prior to the collection date to be included in the current electronic waste collection.
What to do with items of UOW ewaste between the ewaste collections?
If you miss the April or September collection please consult your local IT personnel or ITS Desktop Support (for those areas under managed desktops). They will provide you with advice on where to store those items until the next collection. If the items can’t be stored until the next collection please contact the Environmental and Sustainability Initiatves Unit to discuss alternative options. Please be aware that your faculty or division may be required to contribute to the costs of disposal in between UOW ewaste collections.
What about my personal electronic waste?
Personal electronic waste can not be disposed via the UOW ewaste collections.
Local Council's do offer disposal services to residents. For information about the Illawarra local government areas ewaste disposal options have a look at their websites listed below or contact your local Council.
Wollongong City Council
Wollongong Council ewaste collection
Wollongong Council household annual collection services also allow disposal of electronic waste.
Shellharbour City Council
Shellharbour City Council ewaste disposal
Kiama Municipal Council
Kiama Municipal Council waste and recycling services
Shoalhaven City Council
Shoalhaven City Council waste services
Where can I learn more
For more information on the Environmental issues associated with Electronic Waste have a look at the Cleanup Australia Factsheet on e-waste.
To find out more about a National Scheme to manage electronic waste go to the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme.
If you would like more information on Electronic Waste Disposal at UOW please contact the Environmental and Sustainability Initiatves Unit. Or if your query is technical please contact ITS Desktop support or your local IT staff.