Clean Up Australia Day (Mar 7)

Clean Up Australia

The 20th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day will see people all over the country collecting waste and litter on Sunday, March 7, 2010 (for businesses Tuesday, March 2, and schools Friday, March 5).

posted by seamas on February 19, 2010 at 12:35 pm · filed under

New home water and energy efficiency support for disadvantaged

Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts

Australia’s Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced a new program to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households. The $130 million program will provide free home assessments, as well as installation of energy and water efficiency products such as pipe insulation, efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, draught proofing, seals for fridges, doors and windows, grey water hoses and compost bins.

posted by seamas on November 28, 2009 at 7:10 am · filed under

New National policy for e-waste recycling

ABC News

A new National Waste Policy is due to be put in place next year for recycling televisions and computers, a scheme welcomed by green groups and industry alike. Under the new policy, it is estimated that by 2021, 80 per cent of all televisions and computers will be recycled. Only 10 per cent of televisions and computers in Australia were recycled in 2007-2008, and electronic waste is increasing by 17 per cent each year.

posted by anna on November 5, 2009 at 11:16 pm · filed under

Town bans sale of bottled water

ABC News

The town of Bundanoon in New South Wales has decided to ban the sale of bottled water, and is reportedly the first town in Australia to take such measures to encourage use of tap water and reusable bottles.

posted by seamas on September 28, 2009 at 7:11 am · filed under

New recycling initiative to hit shopping centres nationally

Australian Food and Grocery Council

A combined industry and government recycling initiative to establish collection points at shopping centres across Australia was launched in Queensland this week. Led by the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Packaging Stewardship Forum, the new initiative aims to boost recycling of cans and bottles.

posted by seamas on September 11, 2009 at 5:53 pm · filed under

Canberra e-waste disposal scheme a hit

ABC News

An Apple Computer sponsored disposal scheme waving fees for e-waste in Canberra has motivated a huge response, with more than 20,000 computers and televisions being dropped off at collection points. The discarded electronics will be processed by Sims E-Waste Recycling, which will work to recover usable components.

posted by seamas on August 17, 2009 at 8:52 pm · filed under

Australia’s illegal e-waste exports exposed

Sydney Morning Herald

Australia has been implicated in toxic electronic waste exports to Asia, with revelations that 12 ships have been stopped leaving the country carrying this cargo illegally since early 2008. Australian Customs and the Department of Environment confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper that four such seizures of waste exports lacking hazardous materials permits had been made so far this year.

Most toxic electronic waste exports reportedly end up in China, where they can cause environmental pollution and health problems for recycling workers if not handled correctly.

posted by seamas on May 25, 2009 at 2:48 pm · filed under