Technology leasing company Equico has launched its Equico Eco ewaste removal initiative in the Waikato, following campaigns in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch which yielded over 40 tonnes of electronic waste.

Under the free program, Equico arranges the collection and disposal of electronic waste including old PCs and monitors, printers, and laptops.

130 schools have taken up the offer so far, leading to the collection of an estimated 1200 desktop PCs, 1050 monitors, 200 laptops and 230 printers.

Equico managing director, Paul Beattie, says ewaste is one of the fastest growing environmental challenges facing the world today.

"Equico Eco gives those participating the ability to dispose of ewaste safely and sustainably,” Beattie says, "without having to worry about the cost and resource associated with doing it themselves.”

Equico Eco will be rolled out in other regions throughout New Zealand in coming months. Go here for more.

Image source here.