Free e-waste disposal scheme launched

Technology leasing specialist Equico recently launched its Equico Eco initiative in the Waikato,

aimed at helping schools in the area dispose of old or unused technology equipment in an environmentally friendly way.

Equico Eco is a free programme designed to improve the sustainability of New Zealand’s schools. Under the initiative, Equico arranges the collection of electronic waste, including old PCs and monitors, directly from participating schools. Unwanted equipment is then disposed of using accredited recycling technology.

Equico Eco campaigns in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have seen more than 130 schools participate and over 40 tonnes of electronic waste collected. This included an estimated 1200 desktop PCs; 1050 monitors; 200 laptops and almost 230 printers.

“Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing challenges facing the environment today. As a key facilitator of technology equipment to New Zealand schools, Equico is committed to helping our schools dispose of old and unused technology equipment in a safe, inexpensive and sustainable way,” Equico managing director, Paul Beattie said.

“Equico Eco gives those participating the ability to dispose of e-waste safely and sustainably, without having to worry about the cost and resource associated with doing it themselves.”

Kathy Paterson, associate principal at Hamilton Girls’ High School with specific responsibilities for e-learning and Digital Horizons, said Equico Eco was a great initiative which gave participating schools peace of mind that equipment is disposed of in a sustainable way. “

As a school we are always looking at ways to become more sustainable, and our parents and students are becoming increasingly aware of the impact our actions have on the environment. We are pleased to be part of the Equico Eco campaign and recycling e-waste is a very practical way to make a difference. Equico providing this as a free service and helping us to recycle our old IT goods is a real help to our school,” Mrs Paterson said.

Equico Eco is being rolled out to other regions throughout New Zealand in the next few months.