As part of efforts to curb what the government described as the growing improper disposal of e-waste in communities, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, launched the e-Waste Recycle Pilot Project, in Paardekraal, Rustenburg, in the North West.
The Project is amongst others meant to establish e-waste recycling systems and to encourage recycling habits within the community.
According to the department’s Deputy Minister, Bernice Swarts, the improper disposal of e-waste is a growing concern in Rustenburg and some areas across the country.
“In South Africa, we generate over 360 000 tons of e-waste annually and unfortunately, only a small fraction of 10% of this is properly managed. The rest ends up in landfills, or worse, illegally dumped, posing serious risks to our ecosystems,” Swarts warned.
She added that the country’s laws prohibit the dumping of e-waste at landfills. The Deputy Minister continued to appeal for community participation in the project.
“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 wheelie bins provided by the department will serve as dedicated receptacles for collecting e-waste, ensuring that it is separated from general household waste and directed to specialised recycling channels,” explained Swarts.
She emphasised that this will also help to protect the environment, by preventing toxic substances from leaching into the soil and water.
