Just one in five ASX 200 companies report on e-waste in their sustainability reports
The E-waste Knowledge and Action Gap
E-waste management isn’t on the radar for many of Australia’s top companies. When we reviewed the sustainability reports of 200 ASX-listed companies, we found that fewer than 20% mentioned e-waste, despite their broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. These findings reflect a lack of transparency and strategy within the corporate sector regarding e-waste disposal. As Australia’s only end-to-end e-waste recycler, Sircel is stepping in to close this gap by raising awareness and offering solutions that prevent e-waste from ending up overseas or in domestic landfills.
Consumers Are Ready for Change
When we surveyed 1,000 Australians, the message was clear: consumers want businesses to take responsibility for e-waste and ensure it’s handled ethically and locally. Our research showed that almost half of Australians would prefer to see e-waste recycled domestically, supporting our economy and protecting the environment. Yet only a few ASX-listed companies share specifics on how much e-waste they generate, recycle, or divert from landfill.
This disconnect is a huge missed opportunity. By responsibly recycling e-waste, businesses can enhance their reputation as sustainability leaders, reduce environmental harm, and support a circular economy. Moreover, they can better manage Scope 3 emissions—those indirect emissions from activities outside their control, like waste disposal. With over 75% of ASX companies already addressing Scope 3 emissions, we see a chance for them to expand their focus to include e-waste, especially given that 65–95% of a company’s carbon impact often comes from Scope 3 activities.
Building a Circular Economy
A circular economy involves reusing and repurposing resources indefinitely rather than discarding them. Australia has committed to building a circular economy by 2030, and Sircel is actively supporting this goal. However, only 43% of ASX 200 companies mentioned supporting a circular economy in their reports, and of these, only 12% explicitly tied this concept to e-waste.
We’re calling on Australian businesses to play a more active role in this transition. By properly managing e-waste, companies can contribute to a sustainable future while extracting valuable materials, such as rare earth metals, for reuse. This approach reduces the need to mine new materials, which lowers the environmental impact associated with electronics production.
What Australians Know About E-waste
Interestingly, our research found a nearly even split between Australians who know what e-waste is and those who don’t. While Australians are aware of their recycling options for plastic, glass, and paper, e-waste remains a grey area. This lack of awareness means Australians often overlook the importance of recycling their old devices, contributing to the problem. Many also underestimate how quickly e-waste is growing compared to other waste streams, such as food or construction waste.
Our report shows that consumers largely associate e-waste with small personal devices like computers and phones but tend to forget larger appliances and IT equipment. Educating consumers about the breadth of items classified as e-waste could encourage more responsible disposal and help bridge this knowledge gap.
Barriers to E-waste Recycling
Despite the willingness to recycle, Australians face several obstacles in managing their e-waste. Many consumers (35%) are unaware that e-waste recycling options even exist, and others find the process inaccessible due to a lack of dedicated facilities. Privacy concerns also deter some people, as many fear their personal data could be exposed if not securely wiped before recycling.
Sircel addresses these issues by offering a transparent, secure process for recycling e-waste responsibly, giving consumers peace of mind that their data is safe, and their waste isn’t ending up in a landfill.
The Path Forward: How We Can Make E-waste a Priority
Our report concludes that a joint effort between government, corporations, and consumers is crucial to tackle Australia’s e-waste crisis. We need a single, nationally consistent policy framework for e-waste to make recycling processes straightforward and transparent. Such a framework would also ensure that the valuable materials in e-waste can be extracted and reused, supporting the economy and reducing the environmental toll of mining virgin materials.
Furthermore, if we can boost our e-waste recycling rates to 60%, we can make a measurable impact on the economy while also addressing health, social, and environmental concerns caused by improper disposal. This target, while ambitious, is achievable if government policies support the industry and create accountability measures for businesses.
Sircel’s Role in the E-waste Landscape
At Sircel, we’re leading the charge as Australia’s only fully integrated e-waste recycling company, diverting up to 100% of e-waste from landfill. Our approach supports the circular economy by ensuring that materials from discarded electronics find new life in manufacturing. We’re committed to working with corporations, councils, and individuals to create sustainable e-waste solutions that benefit both our economy and the environment.
We also believe that education is essential. By informing Australians about e-waste’s environmental impacts and recycling options, we can empower individuals and businesses alike to act responsibly. Together, we can turn Australia’s growing e-waste problem into an opportunity for sustainable growth and innovation.
The e-waste challenge may seem daunting, but it’s one we can overcome. By partnering with Sircel and embracing a circular economy mindset, we can make a significant difference—not just for Australia but for the global community. Let’s bridge the e-waste gap and build a future where every discarded device contributes to a cleaner, greener planet.
