There won't be a better time than Wednesday, September 12, for Wairarapa people to ditch their old computers,
says Masterton councillor Chris Peterson, said while stringing up an "eDay" banner at Masterton's Chardonnay Motor Lodge.
That day will see the region's second annual eDay - a community initiative designed to raise
awareness of the hazardous nature of e-waste, and to
give households the opportunity to dispose of unused computers and mobile phones in an environmentally-sustainable way.
The three Wairarapa councils have united to promote the day, which will enable people to drop off old computers, printers, fax machines, mobile phones and digital cameras from 9am to 3pm at Elders Woolstore, 133 Ngaumatawa Road, Masterton.
Carterton and South Wairarapa residents can drop off their e-waste at their transfer stations before 3pm, when trucks will cart the waste to Masterton.
Mr Peterson said e-waste is the fastest-growing waste problem globally and New Zealand is no exception.
More than 87,000 computer-related items were diverted from local landfills at last year's eDay.
"This included 2310 items from Wairarapa, amounting to 25 tonnes being dropped off at the Elders Woolstore last year."
Computer Access New Zealand co-ordinates the national day, with the aim of diverting over 1000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) from landfills in up to 40 regions - an increase from the 31 regions that participated last year.
Now in its third year, the annual eDay event is the only nationwide community e-waste recycling event for disposing of computer items and mobile phones in an environmentally-sustainable way, at no cost to the public.
People are encouraged not to bring stereos, televisions, DVD players and other home appliances.
