Why E-Waste Needs You: A Call to the Fixers, Tinkerers, and Doers in Our Community

If you’ve ever taken apart a toaster just to see how it works, or kept a drawer full of screws “just in case,” this might be the perfect volunteer gig for you.

At our new Resource Recovery Centre in Whitianga, we’re tackling one of the fastest-growing waste problems in New Zealand: electronic waste. Old laptops, phones, chargers, and tech gear are piling up—and most of it ends up in landfill.

But here’s the thing: much of it can be dismantled, sorted, and reused. That’s where you come in.

We’re building a team of volunteers to help us process e-waste. It’s hands-on work, and it suits people who like practical tasks, problem-solving, and a bit of banter over the workbench. Think Urban Minors in Cambridge—only here in Mercury Bay.

We especially welcome older men who might be retired, semi-retired, or just keen to stay active and connected. You don’t need to be a tech expert. If you can use a screwdriver and follow a process, we’ll teach you the rest.

You’ll be part of a crew that’s making a real impact—diverting valuable materials from landfill, supporting sustainability, and helping our community move toward waste-free living.

So if you’ve got a few hours to spare, and you want to do something that matters, come join us.

Interested?

Drop by Wāhi Tukurua, message us on Facebook, or give us a ring. We’d love to have you on board.