Welcome

E-waste2010 South Pacific Regional E-waste Workshop - 21 July 2010, Brisbane Australia

Electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world today. It is estimated that the world generates over 40 million tonnes of e-waste annually. Globally, the use of electrical and electronics goods is set to rise sharply in the next 10 years. Improper handling of e-waste can cause harm to the environment and human health due to its toxic components. Several countries around the world have developed, or are in the process of developing, policies and regulations to deal with this emerging threat. International organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Basel Convention and StEP (Solving the Ewaste Problem), an initiative developed by number of United Nations organisations, are providing assistance and guidance to deal with the issue.

Griffith University hosted E-waste2010 South Pacific Regional E-waste Workshop on 21 July 2010 at the Sofitel, Brisbane, Australia.  E-waste2010 was sponsored by the Brisbane City Council, The Department of Environment and Resource Management, Close the Loop Limited, Boliden Mineral AB and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, and was supported by the United Nation's StEP Initiative, the Secretariat of the Basel Convention, the Australian Information Industry Association, Product Stewardship Australia and the Consumer Electronics Suppliers' Association.

E-waste2010 was well attended with over 100 delegates from the South Pacific Region participating in the event.  Delegates also travelled from across the globe to attend E-waste2010.  The Keynote Address by Christian Hageluken from Umicore Precious Metals Refinery in Germany was of great interest, as were the 14 Plenary Presentations, from local, national and international speakers.

The afternoon discussion session, whereby delegates formed groups to discuss  key e-waste issues, proved very productive and the points raised were presented to all delegates in the final session of the day.  These key points will be compiled and submitted to StEP to help drive the agenda for the StEP Workshop on E-waste to be held in Brisbane in 2011.

E-waste2010 concluded with a Workshop Banquet during which delegates enjoyed fine food and wine at the Sofitel as well as engaging in further discussions and networking.

The E-waste2010 Organising Committee wishes to again thank the E-waste2010 Principal Sponsor, Brisbane City Council and the Major Sponsors, Queensland Government, Close the Loop Limited and Boliden.  Thank you also to the Minor Sponsor, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association and to the E-waste2010 Supporters, StEP, Basel Convention, United Nations University, United Nations Environment Programme, Product Stewardship Australia, Australian Information Industry Association and the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association.