Let's reduce the e-waste going to landfill
A group of four Nelson teens set out to cut the amount of electronic waste going to landfill — mostly by helping people understand what e-waste is and what they can do about it.
New Zealand produces roughly 80,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, most of which ends up in landfill. Through education and a public pledge, the team encouraged people to buy less, repair more, and dispose of electronics responsibly.
What is e-waste?
Why it's a problem
☣️ Toxic materials
Contains lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can leach into the environment.
💧 Contamination
These toxins can contaminate water, soil, air, and food.
♻️ Wasted resources
Valuable silver, gold, and copper that could be recovered are lost.
How is New Zealand doing? Not well.
NZ has one of the highest e-waste rates per person in the world, and one of the lowest recycling rates. The main reason? A lack of legislation — especially EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) frameworks that make producers responsible for product disposal.
What you can do
Buy less
- Reduce purchases
- Aim to keep devices ~7 years
- Choose quality, repairable products
Repair first
- Try repairing before replacing
- If it can't be repaired, recycle it
- Reducing waste protects the planet
Dispose safely
- Recycling beats landfill
- Never bin batteries — they're a fire risk
- Landfill only as a last resort
How to recycle e-waste in Nelson
You can responsibly recycle electronic waste at the Nelson Environment Centre. Following these guidelines keeps devices out of landfill so their valuable materials can be recovered.
Drop-off locations
- Nelson Environment Centre — Pascoe Street, Tahunanui
- Noel Leeming — mobile phones & small electronics
- Community recycling — check the Nelson City Council website
Before you recycle
- Back up important data
- Remove batteries (recycle separately)
- Delete personal information
- Keep cables & accessories with the device
Some larger items (like TVs and monitors) may incur a small recycling fee; small electronics and batteries are often free.
The pledge
The team invited people to pick a commitment level and take on real actions to reduce their e-waste footprint:
Small · 5 actions
Start reducing your e-waste footprint and make a difference in your community.
Medium · 10 actions
Significantly decrease your impact and inspire others around you.
Large · 15 actions
Become a champion for e-waste reduction and lead change locally.
Actions ranged from finding your local drop-off point and setting an e-waste box at home, to checking repairability ratings before buying, keeping devices 7+ years, and organising a mini collection at school or work.
Further reading: BNRC review on e-waste · PMC article on e-waste impacts
Part of the Earthminds Nelson pilot
This was one of six youth-led projects in the 2025 pilot.