Otago residents can feel guilt-free about throwing away their unwanted computers and gadgets on Saturday for this year's national eDay.
They are encouraged to join a nationwide effort to safely get rid of unwanted electronic waste by driving through one of four Otago collection points between 9am and 3pm.
This year's eDay, supported by government agencies and local businesses, is expected to divert more than 1000 tonnes of waste from landfills around New Zealand.
Wanaka and Queenstown organiser Jeremy Bisson, of Wanaka Wastebusters, said eDay was important because e-waste was a growing problem for which manufacturers have yet to provide a long-term solution.
There was at present no coherent system for people to recycle e-waste, he said.
"The critical thing is is that computer waste costs money to recycle - that's why eDay is so important.
"It gives the people of Otago a chance to do the right thing for free."
Computers (PCs, monitors, printers), gaming consoles, mobile phones and digital cameras can all be recycled.
However, televisions are not eligible.
Nationwide eDay organiser Kim Waston says that televisions have been left off the list because they are so large they would be difficult for volunteers to handle.
Printer cartridges from Dunedin's eDay contributions will go towards helping the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust with Cartridge World giving the trust reward points for every cartridge it receives.
Last year, Dunedin's eDay diverted 42 tonnes of e-waste, delivered in 900 cars, from local landfills, The e-waste will be shipped to accredited recycling plants in South Korea.
"They are really good and manage to salvage around 95% of the components," Ms Watson said.
Computers identified as being in good working condition will be auctioned.
Drop-off points
Alexandra: Central Otago Wastebusters, Boundary Rd.
Wanaka: Wanaka Wastebusters, Cnr of Riverbank and Ballantyne Rds.
Queenstown: Wakatipu Recycling Centre, Glenda Dr, Frankton.
Dunedin: Otago Paper Recyclers, 85 Fryatt St.
