AIIA and TEC signs deal on end of life computer equipment

 The agreement is also supported by Environment Australia and Clean Up Australia and is a call to action ahead of the EPHC meeting on 22 May 2009.

Ian Birks CEO of the AIIA said in a statement 'the signatories recognise the urgent need for a product stewardship scheme for end of life computers and computer peripherals (computer equipment) that requires attention by federal and state governments'. 

He added that the absence of a comprehensive, national computer equipment take-back and recycling scheme for consumers is causing the unnecessary dumping of computer  equipment in landfill.

'The result is the loss of non-renewable resources, missed opportunities for carbon emission reduction, and the under-utilisation of recycling infrastructure', he said.

The two bodies have called on federal and state governments to implement regulatory mechanisms by 2010 that includes all industry participants in a product stewardship scheme.

This should be supported on the basis of shared responsibility by other stakeholders e.g. consumers, governments, business associations community and interest groups.

Some of the principles AIIA and TEC agree on for the development of a product stewardship scheme include;

Responsibilities associated with management of a product stewardship scheme for Computer Equipment are primarily borne by producers of the products.

Activities associated with the implementation of the product stewardship scheme are the shared responsibility of Government, industry, retailers, consumers and any other stakeholders associated with the ownership of Computer Equipment.

Operational costs of the program shall be subject to competitive market forces.

The scheme will have clear, measurable and achievable objectives and targets.

Recycling of end-of-life Computer Equipment shall comply with consistent, national recycling standards agreed between Government jurisdictions, industry, recovery and recycling businesses and other stakeholders

The scheme is simple for consumers and other stakeholders to use, including easy access to a collection network.

Education and awareness-raising by stakeholders is a key component of the scheme.