Many of us might not consider what effect our computers and other devices have on the world once we’re done with them. There are a lot of consumers demanding the right to repair, and rightly so. Our smart devices have hazardous materials which can be very harmful to the environment and people if they’re disposed of incorrectly. The safe and efficient recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) is an essential component of our sustainable future.

New Zealand recently made a big leap toward this future with its computer recycling facilities. 

BLUBOX

New Zealand has one of the worst e-waste recycling rates in the world, currently recycling a little less than two percent of its electronic materials. Soon, though, it will have one of the best. In their defense, it can be difficult to recycle some e-waste items such as cell phones, light bulbs, and flatscreen televisions. 

Thursday at Computer Recycling in Penrose, New Zealand the BLUBOX machine was switched on. This system shreds and sorts e-waste in an enclosed negative pressure system and can recover up to 90 percent of materials. Because of the importance of collecting valuable materials and harmful toxins from e-waste, this BLUBOX is an invaluable addition to New Zealand’s environmental and human health. 

The processing capacity of Computer Recycling has increased from 1300 to 2000 tonnes per year. 

Repurposing and reselling e-materials

Once the e-waste materials are shredded and sorted, the different components will then be shipped off to different refineries around the world to be processed into essential materials for new electronic products. Computer Recycling has already established relationships with companies in countries like Belgium and South Korea to sell recycled e-materials. 

The e-waste recycling market is growing with the rising concern for viable and safe methods of repurposing our old electronics. The industry is set to move forward as consumers’ and companies’ preference for a sustainable future grows.