Each year Australians throw away around 17 million televisions, computers, printers and other electronic gadgets, unleashing a cocktail of hazardous materials into oursoil and waterways.
And we are far from alone when it comes to the global problem of e-waste.
As the world searches for solutions to this growing toxic hazard, Griffith University’s Head of Environmental Engineering, Dr Sunil Herat, will hold a free public lecture on 7 August at the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre, Nathan Campus starting at 5.15 pm.
The lecture, Engineering’s role in managing E-waste for sustainable outcomes,will address the impact of electronic waste on the planet and look at the role engineering can play in the sustainable management of e-waste.
Later this year Dr Herat will attend the UN 2013 Global Forum on “Sustainable Waste Management for 21st Century Cities” will be held in Sweden.
“As one of the highest users of technology in the world, Australia is directly contributing to this fast growing epidemic,” Dr Herat said.
“In 2028, it is anticipated that 44 million televisions and computers in Australia will reach the end of their life and, under current trends, 84 per cent of them will be sent to landfill,” he said.
“This is clearly not sustainable and we must find more effective management of e-waste, not just here but on a global scale.
“We need a framework for cities around the world to develop sustainable, resource efficient and resilient 21st century cities,” Dr Herat said.
More information about engineering study options can be explored at The New Griffith Open Day on Sunday 11 Aug. To register for The New Griffith Open Day 2013 go to www.griffith.edu.au/open-day