The federal government is being pressed to fast-track a national scheme for recycling Australia's growing pile of electronic waste.
Major consumer electronics manufacturer Panasonic is concerned the problem is spiralling out of control without a coordinated national program for dealing with "e-waste".
Two million old televisions will end up in Australian landfill this year, releasing a toxic mix of substances including lead and mercury into the environment, the company estimates.
"E-waste is one of the most significant environmental issues facing Australia and the time to begin implementing a national television recycling scheme is now," said Panasonic Australia managing director Steve Rust.
"The more a national initiative is delayed, the more dire the consequences for the Australian environment."
Panasonic has joined industry groups such as Product Stewardship Australia in calling for a national scheme.
A number of small-scale e-waste recycling programs are operating in Australia, including Victoria's Byteback scheme.
But a coordinated national program is imperative, Mr Rust says.
"It is unrealistic for the burden of this problem to be borne by individual local councils, manufacturers or recycling organisations," he said.
"This is a significant logistical and educational challenge that needs the full attention of the federal government."
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the government is currently working towards a solution for Australia's e-waste.
"The Australian government and Environment Protection and Heritage Council are actively working with industry on a range of product stewardship options such as voluntary codes of conduct and recycling schemes," Mr Garrett said.
"Considerable effort is being made with groups like Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association to address issues such as the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment.
"Industry is also working with staff from the Commonwealth Environment Department on the development of a voluntary code of conduct for the industry to move away from using hazardous materials in their products."
