Experienced co-regulators left to fill the e-waste void

Ecycle Solutions welcomes the responsibility of ensuring e-waste recycling targets are met despite changes to the NTCRS.

This financial year will see many changes to the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) due to the departure of two long-standing Co-Regulators and the introduction of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 (Cth).

MRI PSO and Electronic Product Stewardship Australasia (EPSA) both ceased their Co-Regulatory arrangements at the end of the past financial year, leaving Ecycle Solutions and Australian and New Zealand Recycling Platform Limited (ANZRP) to fill the void as the most experienced Co-Regulators of the NTCRS.

“The NTCRS gives businesses, councils and the general public a solution to their recycling needs without any associated costs,” explained Chris Tangey, General Manager of Ecycle Solutions.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic generating extra e-waste, the requirement for businesses, councils and the general public to responsibly recycle their end-of-life televisions and computers has never been greater,” said Tangey.

Ecycle Solutions recycled over 17,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2020/21 and are expecting to recycle over 35,000 tonnes this coming financial year.

Despite two new Co-Regulators joining the scheme starting 1 July 2021, the responsibility on experienced Co-Regulator, Ecycle Solutions, has grown to ensure the overall recycling targets of the NTCRS can be met.

“It is very difficult for a company to join the NTCRS as a new Co-Regulator and make an impact in their first year,” said Tangey.

Tangey explained that Ecycle Solutions are prepared for the increased amount of e-waste volume across the country; a credit to their specialist recyclers.

“We work with a number of small to medium specialist e-waste recyclers across Australia that are AS/NZS 5377 accredited.

“Each of our recyclers have the capacity to infill the void caused by the departure of two Co-Regulators and their partnered ewaste recyclers.”

Despite the increased volume Ecycle Solutions expect to recycle this financial year, they continue to welcome any NTCRS compliant e-waste from businesses searching for an effective recycling solution.

The success of Ecycle Solutions can also be attributed to the partnership with their parent company, QLS Logistics — a national warehousing and logistics specialist company.

By leveraging off their key strengths and competitive advantages, Ecycle Solutions can provide a long-term diversified, commercially viable and sustainable recycling business.

“Our reverse logistics arrangement sees QLS Logistics’ trucks leave the depot bound for retail stores with brand new electronic goods, and return with end-of-life e-waste in need of recycling,” explained Tangey.

Ecycle Solutions also recycles expanded polystyrene (EPS) and will be participating as a collection specialist in the Battery Stewardship which is forecast to commence in early 2022.

“We are excited to be undertaking some new projects in this coming financial year, including the participation in the Battery Stewardship from its commencement,” said Tangey.

Australia is well below the international standard for recycling handheld batteries with only 4% of all batteries being recycled.

The Battery Stewardship Scheme will operate similarly to the NTCRS, providing a solution for businesses, councils and the general public to responsibly recycle all battery types, excluding lead acid. It will be a free collection service.

“Ecycle Solutions welcomes any businesses interested in participating in the scheme,” said Tangey.

“We are currently securing partnerships with potential collection sites, particularly in Regional Australia.”

Ecycle Solutions are proud to be partnering with businesses, councils and the general public to reduce waste going to landfill and improve the environmental outcomes across Australia.