Over 42 tonnes of old computers, peripherals, consumables and old cell phones were collected for re-use, recycling or safe disposal on Saturday 29th September in Hamilton, which was part of a nationwide eDay where 12 cities across New Zealand took part. Waikato Times reported.
Organisers of eDay thrilled with city's responseBy REON SUDDABY and NZPA - Waikato | Monday, 1 October 2007 Waikato people handed over more than 42 tonnes of old computer items and cellphones as part of the first national eDay held across the country over the weekend. The event was designed to stop disused computers, computer parts and cellphones being dumped into landfills, and the project manager of the local event, Vanessa Mohi-Goodchild, said organisers were thrilled with the response. "It was brilliant. We had so many people there, loads more than we expected," Ms Mohi-Goodchild said. "I wasn't even certain if Hamiltonians knew there was an issue with these items going to waste," she said. Nationally, nearly 300 tonnes of old computer equipment and mobile phones were dropped off at special recycling centres around the country. Green Party MP Nandor Tanczos, who helped at the event in Hamilton, said the public response was fantastic. "It demonstrates that New Zealanders have been looking for an opportunity to get rid of old computer equipment in an environmentally conscious way, and demonstrates the real need for companies producing electronic gear to take responsibility for the end-of-life disposal of their products," Mr Tanczos said. The free drive-through event was held at venues in Hamilton, Wellington, Invercargill, Wanaka, Alexandra, Queenstown, Wanganui, Rotorua, Whakatane, Tauranga, North Shore and Manukau City. |
