Key Points:

It is estimated there are more than a quarter of a million obsolete computers in New Zealand homes.

The figure is one of the driving forces behind a national eDay, launched in Wellington this morning, which will give people a chance to dispose of old computer equipment and cell phones in an environmentally friendly way.

Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of rubbish in the world. There are concerns about it being sent to landfills because of toxic materials inside, like lead and mercury.

A pilot scheme run by computer company Dell in Wellington last year saw 54 tonnes of old home computer equipment off-loaded.

This year's eDay will be held in 12 locations across the country on the weekend of 29 to 30 September.

- NEWSTALK ZB