26/05/2009

The UK is the worst offender in generating computer waste and failing to recycle it compared to other European countries, new research shows.

A poll from hardware manufacturer Dell found that just one in two Britons dispose of their electronic waste in an environmentally-friendly manner compared to four out of five Germans.

The survey suggested that this is due to a lack of awareness on electronic recycling policies and government initiatives.

Tony Juniper, former Friends of the Earth director and independent sustainability advisor, said in response: 'These findings show a clear need to drive awareness with consumers around the mounting issue of e-waste and its serious implications to health and the environment.

'Already, we see positive champions at large across Europe so it's now just a case of electronic manufacturers and governments in every country making the disposal of old electrical equipment as accessible and as commonplace as recycling old paper, plastics and glass.'

The survey was carried out on 5,000 consumers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.