As the world observes International e-Waste Day, the South African public is being urged to participate in recycling electronic waste (e-waste) and decluttering their homes. Millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded annually, often ending up in landfills. If not properly disposed of, e-waste can pose significant threats to human health and the environment.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has reported that nearly 68,000 tons of e-waste have been diverted from landfills and recycled through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. These programs enable retailers to set up collection points across the country for recycling purposes.
South Africa’s EPR Regulations
Now in its third year, South Africa’s EPR Regulations were enacted in 2021 to improve producer accountability for the lifecycle of their products, especially during the post-consumer phase. The regulations cover the recycling of lighting, electrical, and electronic equipment. The E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) plays a key role in implementing these regulations, serving as an intermediary between the industry and the government, with a focus on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Lighting (WEEE).
Efforts to Manage e-Waste
In addition to enforcing regulatory measures, the DFFE is taking action to tackle e-waste by strengthening compliance among Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) producers. So far, 37 Pre-Compliance Notices have been issued to producers not meeting the regulations. All EEE producers are required to register with the department to ensure compliance.
The DFFE is also reviewing public comments on the draft Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) National Management Policy. The policy aims to establish a comprehensive framework for safe and sustainable e-waste management in South Africa. It seeks to deliver “triple-bottom-line” benefits: creating economic opportunities, providing safe working conditions, and protecting the environment.
Join the e-Waste Hunt: Retrieve, Recycle, Revive
This year’s International e-Waste Day is themed “Join the e-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive,” encouraging people to recycle their old electronics and remove forgotten or unused devices from their homes. By participating, individuals can contribute to resource conservation and reduce the environmental impact of e-waste.
