Extra funding available to boost WA e-waste projects

• Up to $3.5 million worth of grants available for projects supporting Western Australia's e-waste management network
• Funding to support e-waste management infrastructure
• Regulations to be introduced later this year

The Cook Government has made up to $3.5 million of grants available to support Western Australia's electrical and electronic waste collection and recycling network as a ban on e-waste disposal to landfill is set to come into effect later this year.

E-waste, or waste electrical and electronic equipment, includes items with a plug, battery or cord that are no longer working or wanted.

Overall, $10 million in funding has now been allocated to projects which support e-waste collection and processing, with $6.5 million awarded as part of an initial round of e-waste grants.

Grants are available for projects which either:

• support facilities to collect, manage and store e-waste, before reuse or onward reprocessing; or
• focus on reprocessing and recycling, including assisting businesses to purchase and install relevant equipment.

Grants are open to businesses, local governments, regional councils, and registered charities, with applications, which will close on Friday, 29 March 2024, to be made via: dwer-env.smartygrants.com.au

WA's e-waste ban will be introduced later this year, and includes most electronic consumer goods, such as large household appliances, mobile phones, televisions, and computers.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"E-waste is a rapidly growing stream of waste, and additional funding will create jobs as well as increase reuse and recycling pathways for waste electrical and electronic items.

"This is an important step in moving our State closer to its goal of a circular economy.

"I look forward to seeing these projects delivered and in operation ahead of Western Australia's e-waste to landfill ban later this year.