E-waste management and disposal practices in Queensland, Australia: A regional perspective

Across the world the volume of discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and accessories collectively known as e-waste is growing at a significant rate, predominantly in regional communities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that, more than 44 million tons of e- waste mainly from computers, laptops, television, mobile phones and solar panels will be disposed of in Australia by 2028 creating enormous social, environmental and health risks as a result of inappropriate recycling and disposal practices. While the Australian government is attempting to collect and dispose e-waste through various policies and schemes, e-waste is still being diverted to landfills. Currently, less than 40% of e-waste generated in Australia is recycled and the rest ends up in landfills. This study critically examines the e-waste management strategies of a regional council in Queensland, Australia, identifies the problems and challenges faced by the council in managing e- waste, develops a sustainable e-waste management framework and suggests best practice strategies, approaches and recommendations. A mixed method research approach comprising of online survey questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were adopted. The study interviewed employees of the regional council and surveyed residents in the community. The study found that the e-waste management practices of the regional council studied requires significant improvement. Given the critical roles regional councils play in managing e-waste in their communities, this study provides several practical insights and recommendations on how councils in regional Queensland can better manage and dispose e-waste, thus helping to reduce the significant, environmental and health problems created as a result of inappropriate recycling and disposal practices in the communities.