The State Government’s ban on electronic items (e-waste) in bins and landfill came into effect today, and Golden Plains Council is prepared and ready to assist residents with the transition.
From today, it is Victorian Government law that e-waste cannot go to landfill. E-waste refers to any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted. It covers a whole range of items from work, home and the garden shed, including small and large appliances, IT telecommunications and TV equipment, lighting equipment, electrical tools, as well as toys, leisure and some sports equipment.
While e-waste material will no longer be accepted in Council’s kerbside collection bins, there are a number of participating transfer stations that households can take it. Golden Plains Shire residents are encouraged to take their household e-waste to the following transfer stations:
- Geelong Transfer Station – 100 Douro Street, North Geelong
- Rokewood Transfer Station – 141 Meadows Road, Rokewood
- Ballarat Transfer Station – 119 Gillies Street South, Alfredton
- Snake Valley Transfer Station – 298 Snake Valley-Mortchup Road, Snake Valley
Fees and a limit of 20 items per visit may apply. Residents are encouraged to check the relevant Council’s website for opening hours and fees.
As part of the Golden Plains Shire Council Budget 2019/20, fees have been waived for most e-waste items at Council’s Rokewood Transfer Station for the 2019/20 Financial Year. This is to support a positive transition for residents to the State Government’s ban on e-waste in bins. Due to the legislated requirement to have refrigerant recovered by a suitably qualified person, fridge, freezer and air conditioner units will still attract a fee of $11 per unit.
Council secured a $100,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria to build the new e-waste storage facility at the Shire’s transfer station in Rokewood, which was completed ahead of today’s e-waste ban commencing.
The Grampians Central Waste and Resource Recovery Group will have a stall with information on e-waste at the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market in Bannockburn on 6 July and the Smythesdale Community Market on 20 July 2019.
For more information on the change, including where businesses can dispose of e-waste, the negative impact of e-waste on the environment, and how to safely dispose of batteries, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ewaste.