Schools donate electronic waste

Children at Richmond Road Primary School help load old IT equipment to ensure its sustainable disposal.

More than 60 Auckland schools have donated over 25 tonnes of electronic waste in a two-week long programme which is aimed at improving the sustainability of NZ schools.

Under the scheme, electronic waste was collected from participating schools, before being disposed of using the latest recycling technology.

Over 650 desktop computers, 500 monitors, 120 laptops and 130 printers were collected as part of the Equico Eco initiative.

Equico managing director Paul Beattie says the response by Auckland schools is overwhelming.

“[It] demonstrates the desire from our schools for a safe, inexpensive and sustainable way to dispose of old technology equipment,” he says.

Due to the success of the programme, the initiative was also launched in Wellington, and is expected to be rolled out in the Christchurch region in July.

Stephanie Anich, Principal of Richmond Road School says the programme is a positive step in enabling NZ schools to be more sustainable.

“Schools are acutely aware of the need to look after the interests of future generations and Equico Eco is an important step in helping achieve this goal,” she says.