sanews - 8 days ago

Govt s e-waste disposal project finds its first home in Alex With the ever increasing use of electronic devices and the need to sustainably manage their disposal, government has launched an e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in the City of Johannesburg s Alexandra township. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, said the improper disposal of e-waste has become a growing concern. “The increasing number of electronic devices being used without a proper system for disposal has led to the accumulation of waste that harms our environment and contaminates water and soil. Today’s launch of the e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project is our response to this growing crisis,” Swarts said on Tuesday. The goal of this pilot project is to test and implement a sustainable system for recycling of e-waste in the City of Johannesburg. “The success of this project relies heavily on the participation of the local community. By providing households with easy access to collection or drop off points, recycling facilities, and offering guidance on how to properly separate and dispose of their old electronic devices, we aim to change the way residents think about their waste. “The Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) working together with local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will ensure availability of drop-off points and collection bins/receptacles to ensure ease of access and safe disposal of e-waste,” the Deputy Minister said. This initiative was launched by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Department of Environment and PROs. “Through this collaboration, we aim to not only manage and dispose of e-waste responsibly but also raise awareness among communities about the importance of recycling and the dangers of improper e-waste disposal. “Furthermore, this project is about more than just waste mana it is about creating jobs and stimulating local economic development,” Swarts said. Through this initiative, government will be able to engage the PROs that are committed to facilitating the proper recycling of e-waste. These organisations play a crucial role in managing the end-of-life phase of electronic products and are an important part of the national effort to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, rather than discarded. “Through collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the PROs, we can ensure that this pilot project is sustainable and scalable, with the potential to expand across other regions in the future. “Not only will it help the City of Johannesburg and the residents of Alexandra to manage its e-waste more effectively, it will also contribute to our country’s broader environmental goals,” she said. As part of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, South Africa has committed to reducing waste sent to landfills, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which place responsibility for end-of-life products on producers, are key to this vision. “By encouraging industry involvement in waste management, we are ensuring that those who create waste are also part of the solution. “As many of us are aware, e-waste is growing at an alarming rate. It is now considered the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide,” the Deputy Minister said. The proliferation of technology and the consumer-driven nature of society have led to millions of tons of electronic devices being discarded each year. These devices - from old cell phones, computers, laptops to televisions and household appliances (such as fridges, stoves, kettles and anything that uses electricity) - contain harmful materials such as lead, mercury, and many other toxic chemicals, which can have devastating effects on the environment and health, if not properly managed. “In South Africa, we generate over 360 000 tons of e-waste annually, and it is estimated that at least 50% of this waste is generated in Gauteng. “Only a small fraction of approximately 10% of this is properly managed. The rest ends up in landfills, or worse, is illegally dumped, posing serious risks to our ecosystems. “Our waste laws do not allow the disposal of e-waste to landfills. This is done with the intention of diverting this waste stream from landfill for recycling purposes,” she said. In November 2021, South Africa has implemented the EPR legislation for Electrical and Electronic Equipment, which compels the producers of electronic products to take-back and ensure proper recycling thereof. - SAnews.gov.za nosihle Tue, 10/21/2025 - 13:53 88 views

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