You can make it! Finding Purpose in E-Waste Recycling

Shyanne Murray

In a spacious workshop where discarded electronics find new purpose, Shyanne Murray diligently transforms what others might see as rubbish into valuable recyclable materials. Her work at Endeavour combines environmental sustainability with meaningful employment for people with diverse abilities and backgrounds.

“I pull stuff apart. Like TVs and monitors and stuff, getting all the metal out of it. It’s not hard, just with a drill and screws,” Shyanne explains simply, describing her daily tasks in e-waste recycling. “E-waste is TVs and monitors.”

Finding Her Place

Shyanne’s journey to Endeavour came after completing her secondary education, when she was looking for meaningful work that suited her practical abilities.

“I finished Grade 12 and I looked around and came here,” she recalls. Though she’s been with Endeavour for varying periods—she mentions both “8-9 months” and “five years”—the organisation has clearly become an important part of her life.

Her pathway wasn’t planned far in advance; rather, it emerged as an opportunity that felt right. “It just came up, this one, and I had to look around and walk around to feel like it. And I did.”

A Hands-On Workplace

Shyanne’s workplace is practical and active, suited to hands-on recycling work. “It’s a big workshop, very hot. I’m outside doing TVs,” she describes. This environment, while physically demanding, provides the right setting for the deconstruction of electronic waste into recyclable components.

Prior to her current role, Shyanne worked in different settings. “I was in Blue Scope for a bit with Michael and Peter down there, but I changed to now doing e-waste. But yeah, I like e-waste better. But I like Blue Scope too.” For those unfamiliar with Blue Scope, she adds: “Blue Scope is something in your roofs.”

The Joy of Disassembly

Shyanne finds genuine satisfaction in her work, particularly in the hands-on dismantling of electronic devices. Her enthusiasm shines through when she describes her tasks: “I do enjoy the pulling all the bits apart. I love it. I feel really good when I pull things apart.”

She has preferences for certain types of work based on practicality. “I like the big printers better because they have the normal screws which are easier to get,” she explains.

A Supportive Environment

Perhaps most importantly, Shyanne feels valued and supported at Endeavour. When asked if her workplace is supportive, she responds positively: “Yes. It is. It’s really good. We get treated the same. Little bit of fights, but not much. Endeavour is supportive.”

This supportive atmosphere aligns with her desire to contribute meaningfully: “I want to help get help too. To help them out. To help Endeavour.”

Purpose Through Practical Contribution

While Shyanne’s educational background or long-term career aspirations aren’t detailed in her comments, what comes through clearly is her satisfaction in doing practical work that has tangible results. She’s found a role where her skills and abilities are valued, and where she can contribute to both environmental sustainability and a supportive workplace community.

Her straightforward approach to her work—taking apart electronics to recover valuable materials—mirrors her straightforward communication style. The simplicity belies the importance: through her daily efforts, she’s part of reducing electronic waste and recovering resources that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Shyanne’s story reminds us that meaningful work comes in many forms, and that finding satisfaction often lies in matching one’s abilities and preferences to a supportive environment where one’s contribution is genuinely valued.