Giving new life to old electronics

Giving new life to old electronics

James Cook University is continuing to strengthen its environmental credentials with an innovative plan to recycle old computers and other electronic waste.

Since 2012, JCU has recycled more than 10,000 kilos of e-waste to reduce its environmental footprint.

Now it’s expanding the recycling program to provide a free e-waste service for JCU staff and students, who can bring in their personal electronic waste for disposal.

This week, staff and students at JCU’s Townsville campus can drop-off old desktop and laptop computers, keyboards, mice, monitors and TVs that have been cluttering their homes.

All electronic waste will be taken to the Endeavour Foundation, where it will be disassembled and hazardous materials disposed of safely. Reusable parts such as plastics, copper, aluminium and precious metals will be recycled.

The program provides employment for disadvantaged people in our community and provides an income to the Endeavour Foundation, which sells the valuable components. It also prevents recyclable parts from going to landfill.

The service is being trialled in Townsville and will be expanded to Cairns if it is successful.

The e-waste recycling service is in addition to a wide range of environmental programs being undertaken by JCU which include:

• The Green Bike fleet – refurbishing second hand and abandoned bikes to sell back to students at low cost

• Free bike mechanic services for students

• Goondaloo Creek (Townsville) re-vegetation in collaboration with Greening Australia

• The establishment of the JCU Student Sustainability Advocacy Club in Townsville

• The Rotary Community Garden is creating an innovative example of efficient urban garden design that is being replicated around Townsville and beyond.

For interviews contact:

Adam Connell, TropEco JCU adam.connell@jcu.edu.au

0459 097 253 / (07) 4781 5060