Officeworks to introduce pen and battery recycling scheme “by the end of 2020”

Officeworks has announced that it plans to introduce battery recycling at all stores and pen recycling “in most stores” by the end of next year.

Federal assistant minister for waste reduction, Trevor Evans – who attended the announcement at the Wesfarmers-owned office supplier’s Osborne Park store – said that Officeworks would partner with BIC on pen collection and Envirostream on battery collection.

“Australians can now recycle their batteries, pens and markers at Officeworks, in addition to e-waste, computers and accessories, ink and toner cartridges and mobile phones. It is another step forward in Australia transitioning towards a more circular economy, in which we recognise the value of our waste resources and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill,” said Evans in a statement.

According to Officeworks, its existing recycling program introduced in 2012 has collected more than 10 million ink and toner cartridges and 4,800 tonnes of e-waste so far.

According to the release, Australians currently recycle only 3 per cent of their batteries.

Picture: Sustainability Victoria