Recyclers are reminding residents and visitors to responsibly "e-cycle" their old electronic devices for a small fee at Queenstown and Wanaka depots instead of throwing their e-waste into the tip and poisoning land and water.
Retailers expect the sale of electronic goods to jump 80% over the Christmas period compared to any other month of the year.
RCN e-Cycle spokeswoman Tania Pilkinton, also of Wanaka Wastebusters, said as a result of the influx of electronics into New Zealand homes, the amount of discarded televisions, games consoles, computers, laptops and telephones "will be exponential".
"All electronic goods are toxic and contain hazardous materials that are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. In fact, each individual piece of electronic equipment can contain enough toxins to make a person seriously ill."
Ms Pilkinton said if consumers did not know anyone who could reuse their pre-loved electronics then the next step was to find an electronics recycler willing to share their recycling methods with you.
RCN specialised in e-waste dismantling and opened an e-Cycle depot at the Frankton Refuse Station, Glenda Dr, in September for a six-month trial. The New Zealand-owned company dismantled and processed as much as possible within the region and transported remaining e-waste to certified overseas recyclers.
The depot and station will be open every day apart from Christmas and New Year's days, from 8am to 5pm.
