One-third of Wakatipu residents disposing of unwanted electronic equipment chose to pay to have it recycled rather than dumped in the Queenstown landfill in the first 10 days of the new e-Cycle depot at the Frankton Refuse Station.
The Queenstown Times asked yesterday how many unwanted electronic items were dropped off at the depot on Glenda Dr since the six month trial began on September 12.
Otago Southland Waste Services manager Mark McKone, of Queenstown, said one-third had been dropped off for recycling by residents who paid a small fee, with the remainder sent to the landfill.
"It could be cost and people not really understanding it's a national e-Cycling pricing structure, not [Queenstown Lakes district] council imposed prices," he said.
Of the 16 items deposited at the station since the launch, nine were old CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions and the rest were CRT computer monitors, LCD computer screens, desktop computers and laptops.
Wanaka Wastebusters spokeswoman Gina Dempster yesterday estimated 80% of patrons of Wanaka Wastebusters chose to pay to e-Cycle their electronic waste, after about four months of the availability of the option.
The initiative is aimed at reclaiming valuable components, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium, and disposing safely of toxins such as lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants.
A CRT television or monitor contained up to 3kg of lead and phosphorous coatings, "which you want to keep out of your land and water", Ms Dempster said.
Charges were the same for Queenstown, Wanaka and most of the other 19 e-Cycle depots in the country. Fees ranged from $5 for a laptop or desktop box to $14 for a CRT monitor and $20 for a TV.
Mr McKone said those with bulk amounts of electronic waste, such as hoteliers and moteliers, should call Wanaka Wastebusters directly.
