As Australia’s peak ICT industry body, AIIA has welcomed a decision by the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator the Hon. Ian Campbell, to host a round table conference to discuss recycling in the ICT industry.

AIIA’s General Manager, Strategy and Policy Services, James McAdam, said the industry had been seeking the meeting for some time in line with its proposal for a product stewardship program and overall environmental policy on computers and related products.

“Some members of AIIA already have implemented national recycling schemes for computers and associated equipment such as printers and others have directed research and development towards creating more environmentally friendly products,” Mr McAdam said.

“Innovations such as lead-free desktop and handheld PCs are a direct result of ICT companies taking steps to reduce the impact of their products on the environment.

“AIIA’s membership accounts for around 40 percent of current PC production in Australia, and a round table conference will go a long way towards encouraging the remaining local and offshore manufacturers to become involved in a stewardship program,” he said.

“AIIA has invested significant resources into suggesting plausible solutions even though the industry has a fragmented structure with about half made up of unbranded, or “whitebox” products,” Mr McAdam said.

“A principal objective for the ICT industry has been to ensure that any solution involves the lowest possible additional cost for consumers.

“By working closely with governments, options can be developed for the industry which will deliver the best result for the environment while ensuring sustainability of the industry as one of the significant contributors to Australia’s productivity growth and GDP,” he said

At a meeting last week, Australian environment ministers on the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) acknowledged the efforts of IT companies which had voluntarily set up recycling systems, and said it was important that any options considered should not disadvantage those doing the right thing already.

The ministers agreed to work with the computer sector to investigate alternatives for recycling in the ICT industry. The result of those deliberations and the round table meeting will be put before the Council at its next meeting in April 2006.

Mr McAdam welcomed the increased cooperation displayed on the issue, describing it as a demonstration by the Minister of his recognition of government’s shared responsibility with vendors, retailers and consumers to find an equitable solution to e-waste in the ICT industry.

About the Environment Protection and Heritage Council
The Environment Protection and Heritage Council is made up of ministers from all states and territories, as well as the Australian, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea governments. The Australian Local Government Association is an observer on the Council. The Council aims to ensure that governments work together with communities to achieve and enhance a healthy natural and cultural environment in harmony with social and economic goals.