The e-waste rubbish pile of Australia increases at three times the rate of regular domestic waste and there are about 168 million e-waste items dumped in the landfill.

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, contains hazardous substances of heavy metals like mercury and lead, which leaches into waterways when dumped into landfills.

According to the Central News Magazine, the state environmental ministers committed to the National Waste Policy in November last year. According to a Total Environment Centre (TEC) spokesperson Jane Castle, it was a step to the right path.

Ms. Castle said that it is uncertain if a company claims its recycling is taking out the profitable parts like gold and steel, and dumping the remaining 50% into landfills. TEC is working on developing standards at the moment to propose to the Federal Government; meanwhile local councils are taking action.

The Sydney Council is urging for a national recycling scheme that holds procedures responsible for recycling commodities that have reached the closing stages of their usage life.

Woollahra Council spokeswoman Justine Henderson told the Central News Magazine that financially supporting e-waste recycling programs may always be an issue.

She also added that a national framework provides a thorough vision and it is essential in providing all Australians with a direction for minimisation of waste, which eventually benefits the current and next generations.

The major challenge for most council is to be able to deliver these initiatives at a regional level without any additional financial supports.