Second mobile operator MTN has partnered with German-based public-benefit enterprise Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to foster enterprise development for e-waste handlers locally.
The pilot project, to be rolled out in a number of phases in two major cities in SA, will also focus on educating the public about what e-waste is, why it is a matter of human health and environmental concern, and the value of recycling and responsible disposal.
MTN will roll out e-waste collection points at key publicly-accessible sites such as schools, shopping malls, and possibly in partnership with other corporate partners.
These collection points will collect cellular e-waste, regardless of network operator or handset manufacturer, notes MTN.
GIZ will conduct a situational analysis, develop standards and disposal protocols for the pilot model, and undertake a multi-stakeholder engagement process.
The partnership will also support enterprise development and the “green jobs” agenda by ensuring that selected small and medium-sized e-waste handlers and large recyclers receive a steady, consistent and sizeable supply of e-waste, explains MTN.
These recyclers will be monitored by MTN to ensure they abide by approved and acceptable e-waste handling processes and protocols.
Subject to a successful multi-year South African pilot, it is hoped that results and lessons learnt will be documented and replicated by MTN operations across the group's footprint in Africa and the Middle East.
Taking responsibility
This is not MTN's first foray into responsible corporate citizenship. Last year, it unveiled its tri-generation power plant, which essentially gives the company its own source of sustainable energy.
The operator unveiled the 2MW, methane-driven plant at its 14th Avenue headquarters, in Fairlands, Johannesburg, as a self-sustaining power supply initiative.
According to the company, all the plant's processes have been designed to bring down water and electricity costs. Once it is running at 100% capacity, the plant's load excess will power and cool the campus.
MTN SA MD Karel Pienaar said the economic climate has increased pressure on companies to conduct business in an efficient and sustainable way.
“We needed to ensure the company's expansion and growth plans were not hampered by energy shortages, or a lack of the power supply we require at the MTN campus to drive the business forward.
National initiatives
According to the e-Waste Assessment SA report, e-waste volumes are expected to increase significantly in SA in the near future. This expected rise is compounded by the challenges SA faces at the level of consumer awareness, collection, recycling processes, and the disposal of e-waste.
“These concerns call for collective action in dealing with the e-waste challenge in SA, including developing appropriate policy and legislation, and a practical e-waste management solution, which has the buy-in of all stakeholders,” said the report.
The e-Waste Association of SA (eWASA) was established in 2008 to manage the establishment of a sustainable, environmentally sound e-waste management system for the country. eWASA has partnered with a number of local organisations and companies in order to improve e-waste management across the country.
Companies involved include Makro, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (Wessa) and Nokia. Makro and selected Pick 'n Pay Hypermarkets offer full e-waste disposal services, Woolworths focuses on compact florescent lamps (CFLs), while Wessa collects CFLs and both mercury and rechargeable batteries. Nokia provides disposal mechanisms for all mobile phones.
Share