We rely on batteries to power everything from remote controls to our toothbrush. If you stop for a minute and look around your home or office, you might, like me, be uncomfortably surprised by the number of batteries living amongst your belongings – TV, radio, speakers, computer games, kid’s toys, pet toys, torches, smoke alarms, garage door remotes, car keys, calculators, mobile phones, DIY tools, hearing aids, fit bits, Garmin sport trackers, watches. The list goes on…

What is e-Waste?

Electronic waste, or e-Waste, refers to all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use.

Unsurprisingly, electronic waste is the fasting growing waste stream in the world - as the use of electronics such as phones, laptops, and PCs has grown rapidly in the last 30 years. The rate in which we replace our old electronics is also going up – we probably all know someone who regularly replaces their smartphone when the new version comes out…

New Zealand produces an estimated 98,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, and this is growing three times faster than any other type of waste stream.

Over 180 naming competition entries received in four weeks – what a strong indication of the connection our community already feels to the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre!

Based at the new Refuse Transfer Station (RTS) on Moewai Road, Whitianga, the centre is on track for opening in March 2023. Once operational, volunteers and staff will work to reduce the volume of reusable and recyclable products sent to landfill. A drop-off centre will be integrated into the new RTS, providing the public with the option of off-loading goods before the RTS weighbridge. Recovered products will then be offered for sale to the public through a shop, which may be accessed via Moewai Road.