Rustenburg: A community in the North West region has been provided with a new initiative to dispose of their old electronic devices, as part of the government’s efforts to curb electronic waste. This initiative aims to address the rising issue of electronic devices being used without a proper disposal system, which has resulted in environmental harm and contamination of water and soil.
According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa generates over 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, with only about 10% being properly managed. The remainder ends up in landfills or is illegally dumped, posing significant risks to ecosystems. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, emphasized the importance of recycling at a Service Delivery Imbizo and the launch of an e-Waste initiative. The initiative is expected to encourage long-term recycling habits within communities.
Since November 2021, South Africa has enforced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for the Electrical and Electronic Equipment sector. This law compels producers of electronic products to take back and ensure proper recycling of their products.
In Rustenburg Local Municipality, as in many other parts of the country, improper e-waste disposal has become a significant concern. The initiative is being launched in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Rustenburg Local Municipality, Bojanala District Municipality, industry, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). The partnership aims to manage and dispose of e-waste responsibly and raise awareness about the importance of recycling and the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.
The project’s success heavily depends on local community participation. By providing households with easy access to collection or drop-off points, recycling facilities, and guidance on proper separation and disposal of old electronic devices, the initiative seeks to change residents’ perceptions of waste. The Department will provide wheelie bins as dedicated receptacles for collecting e-waste, ensuring it is separated from general household waste and directed to specialized recycling channels. This process aims to prevent toxic substances from leaching into the soil and water, thereby protecting the environment and public health.