The Western Australian government has announced up to $3.5 million in funding to boost the state’s electrical and electronic waste collection and recycling network, ahead of a ban on e-waste disposal to landfills later this year.
E-waste, or electrical and electronic equipment waste, refers to items with a plug, battery, or cord that are no longer operational or in use.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby said e-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream, and additional funding will create jobs and increase reuse and recycling pathways for waste electrical and electronic items.
“This is an important step in moving our state closer to its goal of a circular economy.”
Overall, $10 million in funding has now been allocated to projects that support e-waste collection and processing, with $6.5 million awarded as part of an initial round of e-waste grants.
Grants are available for projects which either:
- support facilities to collect, manage and store e-waste, before reuse or onward reprocessing; or
- focus on reprocessing and recycling, including assisting businesses to purchase and install relevant equipment.
Grants are open to businesses, local governments, regional councils, and registered charities, with applications, which will close on Friday, 29 March 2024, to be made via: dwer-env.smartygrants.com.au
WA’s e-waste ban will be introduced later this year and includes most electronic consumer goods, such as large household appliances, mobile phones, televisions, and computers.
