Australian businesses are being called to support Waste Not, Want Not day on 8 December 2015 by recycling any unwanted technology.
TechCollect – an industry-funded, free-to-the-public national electronic waste (e-waste) recycling service – is calling for Australian businesses to take a look around the office on Waste-Not, Want-Not Day on 8 December, and recycle any unwanted computers, computer accessories, printers and TVs.
The average employee reportedly generates 1.7 tonnes of waste in the workplace per year, of which only half is being recycled. TechCollect believes that the lead-up to Christmas is the perfect time for both employers and employees to clear the office of unwanted technology – and, in so doing, take shared responsibility for their e-waste
Research shows that 80% of employees want to see more recycling in their workplaces, and 71% believe that having access to recycling facilities at work makes them feel like they work for a responsible employer.
‘It’s important for employees to feel like they work for an employer that’s passionate about corporate social responsibility. Waste-Not, Want-Not Day is a great opportunity to show employees, clients and business partners that sustainability is at the top of the agenda – while freeing up some space around the office,’ says Carmel Dollisson, CEO of TechCollect.
‘We’re encouraging businesses to make a pledge to support Waste-Not, Want-Not Day on 8 December 2015 – to make a positive impact on the environment and the wider community by recycling their e-waste at their nearest TechCollect drop off site.’
Here are a couple of great ways businesses can make a difference on Waste-Not, Want-Not Day:
- send an all-company email to advise employees that you’re rounding up old computers, printers and accessories. You can find your nearest TechCollect drop-off point here, as well as information on what is accepted
- inform your employees about the service offered by TechCollect – they accept e-waste from households as well as offices
Businesses are good at recycling paper, cardboard and toners, but we need to build on this effort. Many businesses are unaware that their technology contains valuable resources, the majority of which can be recovered and put back into the manufacturing process,’ says Dollison.
‘When businesses throw out their old computers and televisions rather than taking them to a designated drop-off site for recycling, these non-renewable resources are essentially lost forever. We can all make a difference, and it’s easy to do the right thing.’
