In September an industry working group, with representatives from consumer electronics manufactures, suppliers, retailers and logistics service providers, met to initiate a program to improve reverse logistics in their sector.
The working group is part of the Consumer Electronics Working Action Group (CEWAG), an initiative facilitated by GS1 Australia to ascertain the key supply chain issues currently faced by the consumer electronics industry.
In early November the government signalled it would regulate for a national recycling framework for televisions, computers and computer products. Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced a new National Waste Policy, charting a 10-year vision for resource recovery and waste management. The policy includes a landmark scheme for recycling computers and televisions.
The government has promised that, backed by Commonwealth legislation, a new industry-run national collection and recycling scheme for this growing mountain of electronic waste will be up and running in or before 2011.
The CEWAG Reverse Logistics Group has already begun the process of mapping the reverse logistics process in the consumer electronics sector.
The group’s chairman, Michael McNair, business development manager, Electrolux, said: “The group’s focus is developing an industry framework for managing the product returns task with a view to minimising waste for all stakeholders in the consumer electronics industry.
“We are delighted with the participation and level of interest at these early stages from suppliers, retailers and service providers. The industry clearly sees the need to manage this process more efficiently,” he said.
“Any interested parties who would like to participate or to be kept informed about the group’s activities should contact CEWAG GS1 facilitator Wendy Saddler-Moyes on 1300 366 033,” Mr McNair said.