SIBU: This riverine town is in dire need of a collection centre for electronic waste (e-waste) to prevent indiscriminate dumping which can cause irreversible health effects and environmental pollution.
The organising chairman of ‘E-waste Recycling Campaign 2011’, Wong Ing Ang in making the call yesterday, said their members’ stores were already full, making it difficult for them to fulfill public request to dump their unwanted computers, printers and other ICT products.
The accelerated rate of obsolete computers, printers and other electronic components caused by the rapid advancement in technology called for a collection facility here, Wong said.
“E-waste comprises heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which if spilled into the open, can cause health hazards. So, it is most important that it is properly disposed of.
“We receive calls from members of the public, wanting to dispose of unwanted computers and other used electronic components.
“Our members’ stores used to provide temporary storage for e-waste are full, so we advise owners to keep their used PCs at their place temporarily, and clear them during the campaign,” Wong told thesundaypost after a press conference on Sarawak ICT Expo 2011.
He admitted there was a proposal in the pipeline to identify a piece of land for construction of the much-needed facility but nothing concrete had taken place so far.
It would be best if such a facility was built near the town to facilitate the public dropping off their used PCs, printers and others.
“People will find it a hassle if the facility is built some distance from the town, and this may defeat the purpose,” he figured.
The campaign rolled out twice a year is into its seventh year, having collected six tonnes of e-waste last year.
He said they were likely to collect more used laptops this year as the trend had shifted from desktops to laptops.
“The number of bulk CRT monitors collected dropped to 300 units last year from 600 units in 2009. We expect the figure to remain constant this year but will likely see more laptops and LCD monitors dumped,” he anticipated.
On the campaign, he revealed that free umbrellas would be given to those bringing a complete set of spoilt PCs. Woven bags and other free gifts would be given to those bringing partial components.
The event would be officiated by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King on Nov 26.
The public can drop their used computers daily between 10am and 5pm from Nov 23 to 27.
The expo organised by Computer Sales and Association Sarawak (CSSA) Sibu branch at Sibu Trade and Exhibition Centre from Nov 25 to 27 will parade a myriad of latest ICT-related products.
“There are 70 booths in total and 32 participants have taken 66 booths, with four remaining.”
It is open daily from 11am to 9pm.