Are your e-waste disposal policies putting you at risk?

South Africa has a poor record when it comes to disposing of e-waste in an environmentally friendly way.

All too often, faulty and redundant computers and peripherals end up on waste dumps or in landfills - and with them toxic and hazardous materials that can leak into our water systems or release hazardous chemicals if burnt. Far too little e-waste is recycled and re-used.

Many South African companies are knowingly or unknowingly at fault - and a recent law has made the penalties for non-legal e-waste disposal very serious.

In response to the growing threat to our environment, the National Environmental Waste Management Act was signed into law on 6 March 2008.

The Act is intended to provide reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and for secure ecologically sustainable development, which requires that the generation of waste is avoided, or where it cannot be avoided, that it is reduced, reused, recycled or recovered, and only as a last resort treated and safely.

It is every South African company's moral and legal responsibility to dispose of e-waste properly.

If you don't follow the e-waste disposal practices set down in the Waste Management Act, you could risk incurring a fine of up to R5 million, or imprisonment for a period of up to five years, or both.

Fortunately, Xperien, leaders in South African e-waste disposal since 1999, can offer you a legally compliant e-waste disposal solution.

As a member of the e-Waste Association of South Africa, Xperien is fully licensed to transport, recycle, recover and dispose of e-waste, in accordance with Schedule 1 (section 19) of the Waste Management Act.

Xperien provides comprehensive e-waste management activities for which a licence is required, including recovering precious metals such as gold and copper; re-using plastics, ceramics and glass; refurbishing old computers for the benefit of previously disadvantaged communities, schools and charities; and disposing of remaining e-waste at an authorised facility.

Xperien can ensure you do the right thing - and comply with the law - when it comes to disposing of your faulty and redundant IT Assets.

Click here to find out more about Xperien.

For more information about responsible and legally compliant e-waste disposal, call Wale Arewa, CEO Xperien, on 083 277 9020, or e-mail wale@xperien.co.za.