WA announces $10m grant to support e-waste infrastructure

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Image credit: Western Australian Government

The Western Australian government has announced a $10 million allocation to boost WA’s collection and recycling network of electrical and electronic waste. 

The grant comes as part of the McGowan government’s commitment to banning e-waste disposal in landfills beginning in 2024. 

The ban would initially include televisions, mobile phones, computers, screens, data storage, white goods, batteries, medical devices, lighting, and lamps. 

“Banning e-waste disposal to landfill means we can recover valuable materials that would otherwise be lost and help protect the environment,” said Environment Minister Reece Whitby. 

“This is a rapidly growing stream of waste and it’s critical we reduce, reuse and recycle as WA moves closer to its goal of a circular economy.” 

The grants will be awarded to various projects over the span of two years, offering up to $250,000 for new or upgraded facilities to help increase the capability and capacity to collect, manage, and store e-waste before reuse or onward reprocessing.

Meanwhile, up to $2 million is available for projects that increase capacity and capability in WA’s e-waste management network. This includes funding to support equipment purchase and installation, as well as the installation of new or upgraded infrastructure for e-waste reprocessing and recycling. 

Applications for the grant program close on 31 March.