It is not yet a well-known fact, but e-waste represents one of fastest growing sectors by volume within the global waste industry. It is estimated to be growing at three times the rate of normal solid waste.
This one of the key drivers that led to the formation of eWasa (the e-Waste Association of South Africa), in 2008. A not-for profit industry association that has been advocating, among others, for improved recycling standards and compliance within the e-waste sector, and the establishment of a chain of nationwide drop-off points where consumers can safely dispose of their e-waste, at no cost to themselves. In this regard, eWasa has submitted a voluntary Industry Waste Management Plan (IWMP) to the Department of Environmental Affairs in August this year. The plan can be viewed at www.ewasa.org.
Frost & Sullivan estimates the global e-waste recycling and services market is valued at $1 424.6 million in 2011 and will grow to $1 869.3 million in 2017.
In South Africa, this presents us with the opportunity to create green jobs, and educate and train consumers, business and e-waste recyclers on best practice in terms of process, technology and standards.
Current trends show that on average, only about 12% of e-waste is currently being recycled annually, with the balance either being incinerated or landing up in landfill sites, which lead to contamination of the environment.
eWasa would like to see this percentage increase by 10% per annum, which it believes is achievable and realistic if all stakeholders commit to a national programme such as the IWMP.
An interesting approach was recently launched in Europe, where a WEEE directive was issued that requires all member countries to recover 45 tonnes of e-waste for every 100 tonnes of e-goods sold by 2016, with the recovery target increasing to 65% of sales by 2019, or 85%of all e-waste generated.
However, one of the major stumbling blocks is the lack of proper technology to treat the problematic waste streams. The current four 'problem children' within e-waste are:
* Compact fluorescent lamps, due to their mercury content
* CRT computer and TV monitors, due to the lead content
* Printer cartridges and toner ink bottles, due to the ink powder
* Refrigeration equipment, due to the cooling gases
These technologies are readily available, but due to their cost, local e-waste recyclers have until now being reluctant to invest in these technologies for a number of reasons.
The good news is that the private sector has now started to understand the opportunity that this technology can offer, and initiatives are well advanced to establish world-class recycling facilities in South Africa, handling all forms of e-waste, utilising the above technology.
These independent initiatives will ensure that as a country, we will be able to treat all our e-waste efficiently and effectively, create a significant number of new, 'green' jobs both directly and indirectly, as well as protect the environment. In addition, we will be able to attract foreign revenue into the country, as our neighbouring states will be able to make use of the services offered by these facilities.
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