Electronic waste in New Zealand is an environmental issue being addressed by community and government initiatives. E-waste is the fastest-growing toxic waste stream in New Zealand. Every year, as of 2017, New Zealand generates approximately 99,000 tonnes (20.1 kg per capita) of electronic waste, of which 97,000 tonnes is disposed of in landfills. New Zealand produces among the highest volumes of e-waste in the world while having among the lowest documented recycling rates. It is estimated that by 2030, New Zealand will generate 28.7kg of e-waste per capita without recycling or 27.1kg with recycling initiatives. In the past, there have been two Government-funded takeback initiatives: the e-Day collections, and the TV takeback campaign. E-waste recycling services provided by local government vary by council with some providing free recycling services, while other councils provide user pays services or rely on the private sector. New Zealand is the only country in the OECD without a national e-waste scheme. While New Zealand has AS/NZS standards for e-waste recycling practices, these are not mandatory. Government led e-waste recycling initiatives have been historically hampered by a lack of data. In 2020, e-waste was designated as a priority waste stream requiring mandatory product stewardship. Background In 2017 the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) noted that New Zealand and Australia produced the highest volumes of e-waste per capita in the world while having amongst the lowest documented rates of recycling. While estimates vary according to methodology, a 2020 UN report estimates New Zealand to produce 19.2kg of e-waste per capita. This is above the OECD average of 17.1kg and more than 2.5 times higher than the world average of 7.3kg. 2% of the generated e-waste is estimated to be diverted from landfill. Approximately 23.9kg of new electronics per capita is put on the New Zealand market every year. A report produced for the Ministry for the Environment, estimated that New Zealand will generate 28.7 kg of e-waste per capita by 2030 without recycling and 27.1kg with recycling. The largest predicted sources of waste in 2030 without recycling are large household appliances (10.1 kg), information technology and communications equipment (7.1 kg), electrical and electronic tools (3.8kg), consumer equipment (3.6kg) and small household appliances (3.1kg). Public response A 2006 survey showed that two-thirds of respondents were willing to pay for safe disposal of electronic waste such as televisions and computers. The remainder were unwilling to pay anything or were unsure.