By Patrick Avenell

Panasonic Australia has today officially announced that it has joined the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) to fulfil its TV recycling obligations as laid out in the Product Stewardship Act 2011.

Furthermore, Panasonic Australia managing director Steve Rust has been appointed to the interim board of ANZRP.

“Panasonic is totally onboard with the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform,” said Rust in a statement. “We considered the organisation’s transparent and independent operating model, not for profit status and critical mass. 

“We decided ANZRP offers the best environmental outcomes, management credibility and governance model and I’m delighted to join the interim board.”

Panasonic joins HP in membership of the ANZRP recycling program. There are two other providers currently accredited by the Federal Government to recycle TVs and PC hardware: DHL and E-Cycle Solutions.

Sony Australia is the only currently announced member of DHL’s program, while E-Cycle Solutions has thus far only announced a strategic partnership with electronics retailer Retravision.

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In a statement released today, ANZRP general manager Carmel Dollisson welcomed Panasonic to the fold.

"We are very pleased to welcome Panasonic as an ANZRP member and to have Steve Rust join our interim board and we welcome Steve’s insight, industry knowledge and support,” Dollisson said.

“ANZRP is a product stewardship organisation, that is, we are about ensuring the responsible recycling of end-of-life TVs and computers.  The decision about which arrangement to join is beyond price.  It’s about meeting strict environmental standards and protecting brand reputation. 

“Ultimately, it’s about increasing the proportion of e-waste being recycled thus diverted from landfill, and reducing the drain on our natural resources to benefit the environment, our community and our children’s future.”