The Andrews Labor Government is reducing the impact of e-waste through a new centre at Officer in Melbourne’s outer south-east.
The new facility is expected to process 1,000 tonnes of e-waste in the first year with capacity to divert 5,000 tonnes from landfill.
The Labor Government has invested $500,000 in Social Enterprise Outlook Environmental to build a new 1,000 square metre shed on land bought from Places Victoria.
E-waste includes everything from old mobile phones, computers and related equipment, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair driers, TVs, heaters, and air-conditioners.
The new facility will receive discarded electronics, which are stripped of components for reprocessing into new technology or sold on the second hand goods market.
Moving Outlook’s e-waste operations to Officer from Pakenham expands its operation from existing facilities at Mornington, Darebin and Hampton Park.
In 2014 around 109,000 tonnes of e-waste entered Victoria’s waste and recovery system, with projections it will be more than 250,000 tonnes by 2035.
The new facility provides continued employment to 13 existing Outlook employees, and has the capacity to provide 13 new jobs and ongoing employment support services for people with disabilities, or those who may otherwise find it hard to get work.
The Labor Government will ban e-waste from landfill and has invested $16.5 million in measures to ensure the ban is effective.
Submissions on the e-waste ban, which will start in July 2018, can be made via engage.vic.gov.au/waste/e-waste.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The work of Outlook Environmental, and organisations like it, are an essential part of Victoria’s sustainable future.”
“We know how damaging e-waste can be in the sustainability of the environment – that’s why we’re working with companies like Outlook to maximise recycling and reduce the amount of material that goes to landfill.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino
“Outlook is a unique organisation and this new facility will create local jobs and opportunities in Officer for some of the most disadvantaged members of our community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020