New national recycling scheme for batteries and plastic pens

The Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans MP, today launched a new national battery and pen recycling program at Officeworks.

“I am delighted to today launch the national roll-out of a new battery and pen recycling scheme at Officeworks, in the lead up to National Recycling Week,” said Mr Evans while at the Osborne Park store in Perth, Western Australia.

“Australians can now recycle their batteries, pens and markers at Officeworks, in addition to e-waste, computers and accessories, ink and toner cartridges and mobile phones. It is another step forward in Australia transitioning towards a more circular economy, in which we recognise the value of our waste resources and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

“Every Australian – all levels of government, industry, communities and individuals- has a part to play in the waste and recycling revolution underway, and recycling old batteries and plastic pens and markers is one very practical and easy thing we can all do.

“I am delighted that Officeworks is playing its part to improve our environment, and assisting customers to dispose responsibly of unwanted technology items for free in their stores at dedicated recycling collection points,” said Mr Evans. “The existing recycling program at Officeworks has already collected more than 10 million ink and toner cartridges and 4,800 tonnes of e-waste.

“The Australian Government is committed to Australia becoming a world-leader in recycling and waste reduction, which provides practical benefits to both our environment and our economy”.

Currently only 3 percent of batteries are recycled in Australia, providing a significant opportunity to increase recycling rates for this waste stream.

Officeworks is planning to have battery recycling available in all its stores, and pen recycling in most stores, by the end of 2020. Officeworks will recycle batteries in partnership with Envirostream, and pens and markers in partnership with BIC.

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