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Aussies increase prices of computers

by on02 November 2009

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Green tax


Australia
has decided to jack up the price of computers sold in the country in a bid to raise cash for a national recycling programme for electronic gear. Aimed at saving large amounts of hazardous material from going to landfill each year, the scheme will be based on existing voluntary programs where suppliers agree to take back old equipment.

Research commissioned by the ministers found people would be willing to pay an average of $30 more for a new television or computer if they could take it back to the supplier when they no longer wanted it. Less than 10 per cent of televisions and computers are recycled. A report released last month found the number of electronic appliances being dumped is increasing. About 234 million computers, televisions and mobile phones were thrown out last year, an increase of 41 million on the year before.

Manufacturers want a system that would oblige manufacturers to take greater responsibility for the collection and disposal of unwanted appliances, but want it set up on a voluntary basis.
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