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Tanita Mehta

February 3, 2025

Understanding E-Waste: Why It Matters and How South Africans Can Act

As technology evolves, the issue of electronic waste, or e-waste, continues to grow. This waste includes discarded items such as phones, laptops, batteries, and appliances. In South Africa, the challenge is particularly pressing, with low recycling rates and increasing volumes of e-waste posing threats to both the environment and public health. Addressing this crisis requires public awareness, policy reform, and industry-led innovation.

The Hidden Dangers of E-Waste

E-waste contains hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water, damaging ecosystems and endangering public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to these substances is linked to severe health risks, including respiratory diseases and neurological disorders.

In addition to toxicity, improper disposal of e-waste exacerbates climate change. Burning electronics releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to global emissions. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that poor waste management practices, including the burning of e-waste, are a major environmental challenge worldwide. In South Africa, where structured recycling systems are limited, the problem is especially acute.

South Africa’s Growing E-Waste Problem

The country generates an estimated 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, yet only 7% is recycled, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Insufficient recycling facilities and limited public awareness exacerbate the problem. Without intervention, South Africa risks overburdening its waste management systems, with significant consequences for both communities and ecosystems.

Recycling: A Path Toward Sustainability

E-waste isn’t merely waste – it’s a resource. Electronics contain valuable materials like gold, copper, and rare earth metals. For instance, recycling one million mobile phones can recover over 35,000 pounds of copper and 75 pounds of gold. Recycling supports the circular economy, which reduces waste by extending the lifecycle of materials. The UNEP emphasises that a global response to e-waste is essential to safeguarding the planet. To adopt this approach, South Africa must expand its recycling programs, incentivise participation, and improve access to disposal points.

Collaborative Efforts: Industry-Led Solutions

Corporate initiatives are essential in tackling the e-waste crisis, and industry-led solutions are making a meaningful difference. Vodacom, in collaboration with Circular Energy NPC, has rolled out a nationwide take-back program to facilitate responsible disposal. This initiative aligns with Tweak Carbon, offering individuals a seamless way to recycle their personal e-waste. Additionally, businesses are required to comply with South Africa's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, ensuring packaging and waste management are handled sustainably. By making recycling accessible and simple, these initiatives set a valuable example of how corporations can drive positive environmental impact.

How You Can Help

Repair Before You Replace
Don't toss your broken gadgets! Many issues like cracked screens or malfunctioning batteries can be repaired, giving your device a new lease on life.

  • How to Do It: Take advantage of Vodacom’s RedLovesGreen program. Drop off your device at one of their 37 nationwide repair centers for repairs, refurbishment, or recycling.
  • Next Step: Visit the Vodacom website to book a repair or locate your nearest Vodacom store and get back online quickly.

Recycle Responsibly
Old devices piling up? Safely dispose of them with Circular Energy’s convenient home collection service.

  • What They Accept: Electrical and electronic equipment, lighting, lighting equipment, and batteries.
  • How to Start: Fill out the form on their website here to schedule a collection from the comfort of your home. 

Choose Sustainable Tech Brands
Make eco-conscious choices when buying new gadgets.

  • Where to Look: 

Spread the Word
Help build awareness about responsible e-waste management.

  • Action to Take: Share this article with your network to inspire others to repair, recycle, and choose sustainable brands. Every small step contributes to a greener future.

South Africa's e-waste crisis is both a pressing challenge and a promising opportunity. By addressing gaps in recycling infrastructure, raising public awareness, and fostering industry-led initiatives like those by Vodacom and Circular Energy, the nation can transform this growing problem into a sustainable solution. Through collective action – embracing recycling, repair, and advocacy for stronger policies, South Africans can reduce the burden of e-waste and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.

References

  • United Nations Environment Programme, World must move beyond waste era and turn rubbish into resource – UN report, 2024 (link)
  • CSIR, South Africa’s E-Waste Challenge, 2022 (link)
  • Vodacom Newsroom, Vodacom and Circular Energy Partner to Reduce E-Waste in South Africa, 2024 (link)
  • WHO, Children and Digital Dumpsites, 2021 (link)
  • Circular Energy, Company Profile, 2023 (link)
  • Earth.Org, What is E-Waste Recycling?, 2023 (link)
  • Circular Energy, Give It Back, 2023 (link)
  • AuTerra, 2024 (link)
  • Tweak, Tech & Electronics, 2024 (link)
  • Plastics SA, Creating a true Circular Economy for plastics packaging, 2024 (link)
  • Vodacom, Vodacom Repairs, 2024 (link)
  • Vodacom, Store Locator, 2024 (link)

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