Rising volumes of electronic waste (e-waste) are a significant concern prompting the need for comprehensive and sustainable e-waste management solutions.
This concern has prompted Samsung SA to partner with Makro and Desco in an effort to combine resources and expertise to create a joint recycling programme. The partnership will provide an opportunity for South Africans to dispose of used electronic goods in an environmentally responsible manner.
According to Samsung, an estimated three tonnes per month per bin will be collected during the campaign period.
"Through our PlanetFirst commitment, Samsung has embraced sustainability and placed it top of mind throughout our operations. We continuously seek ways to encourage our customers to find balance between a desire for innovative technology and a greener lifestyle. It is our responsibility as a manufacturer to ensure that our products are properly disposed of," says Michelle Potgieter, director of corporate marketing and communications at Samsung SA.
This partnership will ensure consumers do their part to contribute to a cleaner and safer environment by visiting one of 18 Makro stores across the country and using the Desco/Samsung recycling bin at the entrance. Items that can be recycled include: mobile phones, IT equipment, entertainment electronics and household appliances.
To Potgieter, this campaign encourages the community to think about the environmental impact of their actions and the role they can play in bringing about positive change in their communities.
"We are proud to be associated with Desco and Makro and look forward to making a difference to the environment with our partners," she notes.
According to Malcolm Whitehouse, sales manager at Desco Electronic Recyclers, it is our responsibility as custodians of this planet to ensure its sustainable existence through responsible recycling of all electronic waste, whilst following best practice for this type of industry. Ultimately, by doing this we can ensure the sustainability of our planet for generations to come."
The electronic waste recycling company notes that when e-waste ends up in landfills it may be toxic if handled and discarded improperly.
Doug Jones, Makro MD, explains that e-waste has been identified as one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. "As a retailer of high-tech products and large appliances, it made sense for us to assist in reducing the volume of e-waste being sent to landfill," he says.
"This initiative provides both our retail and commercial customers with a convenient avenue to ensure their e-waste is recycled responsibly and in the event that this is not possible, it is safely disposed of."
To Potgieter, an important part of this initiative is to contribute towards more jobs being created in the green economy. Greater volumes of e-waste requiring processing at Desco means more employment at its e-waste management facility in Pomona, east of Johannesburg.
Furthermore, as demand for e-waste recycling grows, more jobs will be generated to support independent recycling companies.
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