So much that the United Nations set up a program called StEP. It stands for ‘Solving the E-waste Problem’ after the UN estimated e-waste, that’s old white goods, home appliances, computers, televisions and similar products, would soon reach more than 40 million tons each year.

That’s enough to fill a line of rubbish trucks that stretches half way around the world.

Closer to home, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that e-waste is growing at more than three times the rate of general municipal waste.

In 2006 alone, about 1.6 million computers were disposed into landfill.

Even closer to home again, these items are clogging up sheds and backyards.

So the Macintyre Lions Club and Inverell Shire Council came up with the plan to rid households of old unwanted bits and pieces.

More than 50 households have already registered for this weekend’s cleanout.

This Sunday the Lions Club members will be out and about collecting old household items to be disposed of. The free pickup service will be available for anyone within the town limits of Inverell.

Old white goods, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves will be collected by the Lions.

Other items that will be collected include televisions, computers, video and cassette recorders and any other electrical equipment.

For the record, Japan is leading the world when it comes to recycling e-waste. Because there are not enough landfill sites, the Japanese Government passed the Law for Recycling of Specified Home Appliances in 2001.

The law covers televisions, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and air conditioners.

To ensure that appliances are returned to the retailer and not dumped, the law is supported by a waste disposal law with stringent penalties.

r To register for Sunday’s pickup of old household items, contact Inverell Shire Council on 6728 8200.