A repairability label on electronics could soon allow Central residents to make a more informed choice when shopping for their next device.

Consumer NZ has launched a petition, calling on the Government to introduce a label on electronics, showcasing how long it will last and how easy it will be to repair.

Central Otago District Council (CODC), which introduced electronic waste recycling at its transfer stations in Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh in February, believes a repairability label would be an advantage.

CODC solid waste team leader Lauren Hunter said it would help people make informed choices about the likely value for money and how long items were likely to last.

“Planned obsolescence of goods - through no longer providing operating software upgrades or discontinuing spare parts - is one big part of the waste problem that we in New Zealand, and the whole world, are facing.”

CODC’s electronic recycling service accepts all forms of TVs, computers, laptops and computer equipment, printers and photocopiers, household appliances, stereo systems, and gaming consoles.

Lauren said recycling electronic waste does require a change in habits and thinking - and does come with a cost. 

“However, landfill charges are only going to continue increasing under the current government, making landfilling more and more expensive. Electronic items will not ‘disappear’ in landfill, but will slowly degrade adding to the toxic leachate that costs a lot to collect and treat to prevent environmental damage.”

She said most electronics contain metals and minerals that will become increasingly short in supply in the world. 

“It is a waste in many senses of the word that these valuable resources end up in landfills.”

To reduce the cost to recycle electronic waste, CODC is covering the transportation costs on a trial basis using Waste Minimisation Funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

The district’s libraries also have collection boxes for unwanted cell phones, which are sent to Re:Mobile and are sold for recycling or refurbishment. 

“The money raised from this is donated to Sustainable Coastlines, so is good news all around.”

People are encouraged to clear data from their devices before recycling.

According to Consumer, each year 97,000 tonnes of e-waste is thrown away in New Zealand each year, which equates to enough toasters to fill Eden Park and the Sky Tower.

Consumer campaigns adviser Abby Damen said although New Zealand’s e-waste volume is shameful, “it’s not entirely our fault”. 

"Our laws allow the sale of products that can't be repaired."

Consumer is urging people to sign its petition, which it plans to take to Parliament once it gets 20,000 signatures.

“The more people who join our call, the harder it is to ignore,” Abby said.

Click here for more information about CODC’s recycling and safe disposal services: Transfer Stations & Recycling Drop-offs - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz)