Warehouse Stationery has collaborated with TechCollect NZ to introduce a free e-waste recycling program, which aims to solve the e-disposal problems of consumers and small businesses.
This is a part of parent The Warehouse Group’s e-waste recycling expansion and can be used at six participating Warehouse Stationery stores across the country. The company said that it aims to divert thousands of kilograms of e-waste from landfills.
“We all have old or unwanted electronic equipment in the cupboard that we don’t know what to do with,” said David Benattar, The Warehouse Group’s chief sustainability officer.
“Kiwis want to recycle but they often don’t know where to take their items, especially electronics. The program’s expansion to Warehouse Stationery not only improves consumer access to an effective recycling solution for a significant waste stream but will also provide valuable insights to inform an ongoing regulated e-waste product stewardship system in New Zealand,” he said.
The program accepts electronic items except for TVs, white goods, non-IT electronics, loose batteries, toner and ink cartridges and mobile phones. Customers need to eliminate personal data from their devices before dropping them off for recycling.
The Warehouse Group and TechCollect NZ recycled more than 52 tonnes of e-waste through a program launched at 16 Noel Leeming stores last January.
Michael Dudley, senior policy manager of TechCollect NZ, said the partnership is a great opportunity to tackle the challenge of responsible e-waste management and forge the way towards Aotearoa’s circular e-waste future.
“With the support of The Warehouse Group, we will rescue valuable materials from landfills, help to create more jobs in New Zealand’s resource-recovery sector, make the economy more resilient and achieve impressive environmental outcomes along the way,” Dudley added.
The program has received support from technology companies including Apple, Canon NZ, Dell, HP New Zealand, Microsoft and Toshiba. Warehouse Stationery stores participating in the recycling program include: East Tamaki, Manukau, Hamilton, Petone, Coastlands (Paraparaumu) and South City (Christchurch).
