Wakatipu residents will given the chance to dispose of their old computers, computer peripherals and cell phones during eDay on Saturday.
The free computer recycling event in 32 centres around New Zealand is expected to divert 1000 tonnes of potentially toxic waste from landfills.
The drive-through event allows residents in the Wakatipu to dispose of their old computers and cell phones in an environmentally friendly way and is aimed at raising awareness about the environmental and health dangers of dumping e-waste (electronic waste) in landfills.
National organiser and Computer Access New Zealand Trust (Canz) chairman Laurence Zwimpfer said eDay would be held in several locations across Otago and Southland, including Queenstown, from 9am to 3pm.
Mr Zwimpfer said e-waste and toxic materials, including lead and mercury from old computers, was the fastest growing type of material being sent to landfills in the world.
"Our aim with eDay is to educate New Zealanders [about] the dangers of dumping e-waste in landfill, while giving them the opportunity to dispose of unwanted computer items in a safe way."
Only computers, peripherals such as printers, scanners and gaming consoles, and mobile phones could be recycled in the eDay collection.
"We know that TVs and other electronic equipment pose similar threats to our environment, but because of the huge variety in size and weight of this equipment, we don't think it's fair to ask volunteers to handle TVs.
"The best advice we can give is for the public to hold on to their old TVs until sustainable solutions are available."
Canz advised people to wipe all data from computer hard drives as well as removable media like floppy disks and PC cards before handing them over for collection.
• People wanting to drop off e-waste in Queenstown can go to the Recycling Centre at 110 Glenda Dr, Frankton, between 9am and 3pm. eDay is a drive-through event only.
Businesses and schools are advised to visit www.eday.org.nz for alternative disposal options and more information about e-waste.
