Sustainability Report 2005-2006
Department of the Environment and Water Resources, 2007
Canberra environmental performance
Hazardous Waste
EN31: Hazardous waste production and transport
Goals 2005-06
- None set
Performance 2005-06 and trends
In 2005-06, the department disposed of 266kg of fluorescent tubes, an increase of 33% from 2004-05. 100% of fluorescent tubes collected were recycled, diverting this waste from landfill. Light fittings, and associated supplies and disposal, are the responsibility of the building owner.
During 2005-06, the department also joined the Mobile Muster programme, an initiative that collects and recycles used mobile phones, batteries and accessories. Through our participation in this programme, 112kg of used mobile phone materials were collected from the JGB for recycling. This figure includes a stockpile of phones from previous years.
Commentary
DEH has eliminated the use of almost all hazardous waste products within the JGB. Small amounts of mercury are found in fluorescent tubes, which continue to remain the most commonly used lighting source in office buildings. Mobile phone batteries also contain hazardous substances, such as nickel and cadmium. DEH recognises that hazardous substances are a serious threat to the environment and has implemented measures to ensure recovery of hazardous materials and responsible disposal of hazardous wastes.
Goals 2006-07
- Increase the availability of the Mobile Muster programme within the JGB
- Develop more rigorous reporting methods for hazardous goods used by the department.
Related Indicators
Contents
- Sustainability Report 05-06
- Executive summary
- Vision and strategy
- Our organisation
- Governance
- Policy and influence
- Environmental performance
- Social performance
- Economic performance
- Report assurance statement
- Case studies
- GRI index
Key
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