Finding solutions for the management of e-waste on Otago University’s Dunedin campus

Abstract

Electronic waste is a matter of increasing concern in many countries. Ewaste comprises of inoperative laptops, tablets, batteries, etc. that must be disposed of safely. Global statistics show that in 2019, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was created. E-waste consists of chemicals and metals, if disposed with food waste and general waste, this waste can turn toxic and harm human and environmental health by polluting the environment by leaching of lead, mercury, and arsenic. Therefore, it is important to  minimise electronic waste generated to ultimately minimise the risk of pollution and maintain a standard of sustainability. Furthermore, it is important for consumers to understand that e-waste relates to many of the Sustainable Development Goals charted out by the United Nations. This project is based on finding practical solutions to help minimise e-waste and to improve disposal methods at the Dunedin Campus of the University of Otago. Previously, similar projects were undertaken in some universities globally to help tackle e-waste. To find solutions, companies dealing with the disposal of e-waste were approached and their methods were observed, as similar methods could be applied at the university. The project was started by familiarising with the current solutions on campus, including E-waste Recycling Centre and by understanding the material flow. Following  which, interviews with select participants took place, where we obtained an understanding of their processes. To finish, a diagram that illustrates the flow of materials was constructed to help with a better understanding of current methods and future methods.

Supervised by Ray O'Brien, Head of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, Univeristy of Otago
Scholarship funded by: Waste Management NZ