In the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga, a new eWaste organisation has been established to deal with the accelerating issue of electronic materials imported into the small 800km-island community, without plans for removal, reports Matangi Tonga Online.
E-Waste Tonga representative, Uepi Lea, said "E-waste volumes are escalating in Tonga. We need to begin a program of public awareness so Tongans will properly dispose of end-of-life computers, cell phone, televisions, DVD players, copiers, printers, and any other unusable electronics. The Tapuhia Landfill doesn't have the capacity or the proper equipment to deal with heavy metals so Tonga will need to export these hazardous materials."
The organisation run by volunteers hopes to increase awareness about the issues surrounding e-waste, such as disposal, and stimulate new jobs creation through GIO Recycling, the only licensed hazardous waste exporter on the island.
