Consumers around Gauteng can get rid of their digital junk in November as part of a broader campaign for the responsible disposal of e-waste.
The Institute of Waste Management of SA (IWMSA), in partnership with the e-Waste Association of SA (eWASA), is running an e-waste collection drive, on Saturday, 19 November, with the aim of encouraging businesses and the public to bring their old gadgets to be refurbished, dismantled or recycled.
More than 24 collection points across Gauteng will be accepting old or unused electronic and electrical equipment between 9am and 2pm.
E-waste is anything that uses electricity or a battery and is no longer needed, including equipment such as computers, printers, cellphones, toasters, microwave ovens and toner cartridges.
“People often hold on to e-waste, even if they are no longer using it, because it has a perceived value,” says Jonathan Shamrock, vice-chairperson of the central branch of the IWMSA. “But these items are merely creating clutter and could be put to far better use if refurbished or recycled.”
eWASA chairman Keith Anderson adds that the problem will only get worse in future. “As a result of the ever-increasing desire for newer, smaller and faster technology, electrical and electronic equipment is now one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world.”
The organisations say the drive is aimed at informing people about what e-waste is and how to dispose of it correctly, as it cannot simply be tossed out with the usual rubbish.
Electronic goods typically contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as small amounts of gold, silver, copper and platinum. Apart from keeping heavy metals, plastic and monitor glass out of landfills, reusing precious metals prevents the depletion of natural resources.
Anderson says a more extensive awareness campaign is needed to get companies and institutions on-board. “E-waste and waste in general is an ongoing problem, and we need to continually raise awareness so people get into habits such as sorting their waste at home.”
Despite continuing education efforts, Anderson says public knowledge of e-waste is only about 10% of what it should be. “If you look at world statistics, in 2009, only 13% of e-waste was being recycled.
“It's a long road before people are actually going to stop buying the latest versions of gadgets, so let's make sure we put the processes in place whereby they can at least be recycled and disposed of responsibly,” he concludes.
Consumers can take goods to any of the following e-waste drop-off points: Africa e-Waste offices, Midrand; Flora Farm Nursery; Vodaworld; Hartebees Mall; Hi-Fi Corporation: Boksburg, Clearwater, Fourways, Stoneridge, The Glen and Woodmead; Holy Rosary School; Incredible Connection: Kolonnade Mall; Kolonnade Retail Park; Makro: Centurion, Crown Mines, Germiston, Silver Lakes, Struben's Valley, Wonderboom and Woodmead; MultiChoice offices in Randburg; NG Kerk Moreleta; All Pick n Pay franchise stores (for CFLs, batteries and printer cartridges only); Pick n Pay Hyper Centurion and Rooihuiskraal Veterinary Clinic.
For more information on the e-waste drive and e-waste disposal points, visit eWASA or MyWaste SA.
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