Business Services Scoping Study of Recycling of Redundant Computer Equipment
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Conclusions
The Federal Government, all State Governments and Territories are pressing the computer industry to address the key issue of dealing with computers that have reached the end of their working life.
The evidence points to a growing problem of stored computers that are no longer operational and an acknowledgement that the current practise of dumping computers in landfill is unacceptable. The majority of these computers are coming from households.
The Australian Industry Information Association is due to deliver a proposal to the Federal Government in October that addresses this issue.
Sustainability Victoria has established the Byteback programme with one collection site operating in Melbourne that accepts computers from households and small business. These computers are then dismantled and the components recycled. More sites are planned to open.
Two Business Services are currently carrying out limited recycling of old computers and have stated that the work is very suitable for supported employees.
There are existing competitors in this market but two strategies have been identified for Business Services, one for rural and regional Australia and one for the cities.
By working together under the working name of 'Business Services E Recycling Group'; it will be possible for a share of this work to be done by Business Services.
A phased programme has been prepared together with an estimate of the costs of establishing the Group.
Estimates of the number of jobs that could be created for supported employees have been included.