Let's Reduce the Amount of E-Waste Going to Landfill!
Join us in our mission to reduce e-waste and protect our environment for future generations.
Make a Pledge Today
Welcome
NZ produces approximately 80,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, most of which goes to landfills.
Through educating the public, we are trying to help people reduce the amount of e-waste they produce.
What is e-waste?
Definition
E-waste (electronic waste) is any unwanted electrical or electronic device or appliance.
Examples
Examples include broken computers, phones, toasters, microwaves, cables, printers, and washing machines.
Why is it a problem?
Toxic Materials
E-waste contains toxic materials like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can leach into the environment.
Environmental Contamination
These toxins can contaminate water, soil, air, and food.
Wasted Resources
E-waste is also a waste of valuable materials like silver, gold, and copper that could be recovered.
How is New Zealand doing?
80K
Tonnes of E-waste
Annual e-waste produced in NZ
2%
Recycling Rate
NZ's current e-waste recycling rate
90%
Sweden's Rate
Comparison to world leaders
Not well!
NZ has one of the highest e-waste rates per person in the world.
We also have one of the lowest recycling rates.
The main reason? A lack of legislation, especially EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) frameworks that make producers responsible for product disposal.
What can you do?
Buy Less
1
Reduce Purchases
Reduce your e-waste by buying less.
2
Extend Device Life
Aim to keep devices for 7 years.
3
Choose Quality
Buy quality, repairable products that will last.
Repair First
Attempt Repair
If something breaks, try repairing it before replacing it.
Consider Recycling
If it can't be repaired, see if it can be recycled.
Environmental Impact
Reducing waste helps protect our planet.
Dispose Safely
Recycle
Recycling is far better than landfill.
Battery Safety
Never throw batteries in the rubbish – they are a fire risk
Last Resort
Only throw electronics away as a last resort.
Make a pledge
Small Pledge
5 actions to reduce your e-waste footprint and start making a difference in your community.
Medium Pledge
10 actions to significantly decrease your environmental impact and inspire others around you.
Large Pledge
15 actions to become a champion for e-waste reduction and lead positive change in your community.
Select your commitment level and fill out the pledge form below to join our movement against e-waste.
Actions to Pick From
Start Small
  • Find your local e-waste drop-off point
  • Learn what your local council accepts as e-waste
  • Watch a short video about the impact of e-waste
  • Set aside a dead battery or device for recycling
Create Habits
  • Create a "No e-waste in the bin" rule at home
  • Look through drawers for unused electronics
  • Add an e-waste collection box at home
  • Delete 50 files or apps to reduce digital clutter
Shop Smarter
  • Check repairability ratings before buying
  • Choose quality over price in tech purchases
  • Research where to get devices repaired
  • Commit to keeping tech purchases for 7+ years
Spread the Word
  • Share an e-waste fact online or in group chats
  • Post about your e-waste actions on social media
  • Create a video or blog post about e-waste
  • Ask five others to join the pledge
Community Action
  • Organize a mini e-waste collection at school or work
  • Bring a friend to a local drop-off point
  • Encourage a friend to recycle an old device
  • Choose to share/rent items instead of buying
Choose actions that fit your lifestyle. Even small steps make a difference!
Spread the Word
Share Knowledge
Share what you've learned with others.
Grow Community
Engage friends and family in discussions.
Create Impact
The more people who act, the bigger the impact.
Surveys
How are your e-waste habits?
Take this short survey to find out how your habits regarding e-waste impact the environment.
What's your e-waste footprint?
Discover the environmental impact of your electronic device usage and disposal practices.
How can you improve?
Get personalized recommendations based on your current habits and lifestyle.
How to Recycle E-Waste in Nelson
You can responsibly disposing or recycle your electronic waste at Nelson Environment Centre. Following these guidelines ensures your devices don't end up in landfill and their valuable materials can be recovered.
It can be expensive for Nelson Environment Center, so they have to pass on some of that cost. You can find out what is free to recycle or how much each item costs here.
Identify Your E-Waste
Common items include:
  • Computers, laptops, and tablets
  • Mobile phones and accessories
  • Printers and scanners
  • TVs and monitors
  • Small household appliances
  • Batteries and power supplies
Drop-Off Locations
Nelson has several dedicated e-waste collection points:
  • Noel Leeming - For mobile phones and small electronics
Preparation Steps
Before recycling:
  • Back up important data
  • Delete personal information
  • Keep cables and accessories together with devices
Cost Information
Some items may incur a small recycling fee, particularly larger items like TVs and computer monitors. Small electronics and batteries are often free to recycle. Check the cost list for NEC here.
Resources we made

PDF file

The Invisible Problem

What is ewaste?

PDF file

What you can do for e-waste

Spread the word, raise awareness!!

PDF file

Pledges and actions you can take

There are lots of small things you can do!

Further Reading:
About Us
1
Our Team
A group of 4 teens in the Nelson Tasman area trying to make a difference to the state of e-waste in New Zealand
2
Our Mission
We're committed to educating our community about e-waste and promoting sustainable electronic use.
3
Our Home
Based in the beautiful Nelson Tasman region, we're passionate about preserving New Zealand's natural environment.