'No excuse for illegally dumping unwanted items,' organisations told
Organisations are being urged to properly dispose of old office equipment as they clear out their workspaces to ensure the safety of returning employees.
Suzy Neilan, acting chief executive officer of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, said there is "no excuse for illegally dumping unwanted items."
"You're just trying to make the cost of disposal the community's problem," Neilan said in a statement.
Dead batteries, as well as outdated, faulty, or no longer needed equipment, should go to the right place, according to the EPA.
"Batteries can become a fire hazard. They should never be mixed in with general waste," Neilan said.
"Old electrical equipment is e-waste; that's anything with a battery, plug, or power cord, like televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, whitegoods, and solar panels, and has valuable components that can be recycled."
Office furniture, on the other hand, may still be sent to other homes depending on its condition.
"Furniture could have a future still, depending on its condition, and a word with your local charity shop will help decide," she said.
Neilan also warned organisations against dumping old and faulty equipment in their charity shops.
"Our charity shops only need items they can resell," she said. "They're not dumping grounds and EPA can fine you if you try to use them that way."
The EPA issued the reminders as more Australians return from their holiday breaks and clean up their workspaces for the new year.
More employees in Australia are also expected to come back to offices this year as a growing number of employers end fully remote work and implement hybrid and full on-site work arrangements.
