Electronic and electrical waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, with an estimated 17kg to 20kg generated per person.
This is according to Keith Anderson, IT Association (ITA) president and COO of Axiz. He says SA and Africa are becoming the dumping ground for many companies, considering the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 30 million and 40 million PCs will be ready for "end-of-life management" within the next few years.
Anderson says individuals and companies can reduce e-waste by supporting organisations that make clean products and returning old equipment to an authorised collection point.
<B>Green IT Summit 2008</B>
More information about the Green IT Summit 2008, which takes place on 13 May at The Forum in Bryanston, is available online here.
"The ITA is presently establishing a national system of 'collection points' where consumers can safely dispose of their redundant goods. In addition, the ITA has undertaken to publish a list of accredited dismantlers, refurbishers and recyclers so that e-waste can be disposed of in a responsible manner," notes Anderson.
Other ways of reducing e-waste, according to him, include reducing the manufacture and use of material and energy-intensive goods and services, reducing toxic dispersion, promoting recyclable material and increasing material durability.
He adds that "mining" valuable materials like copper, steel, aluminium and gold from e-waste could bring significant additional revenue to the industry while at the same time create employment opportunities.
Anderson also points out that there is no legislation pertaining to the handling of e-waste in place in SA. "However, the draft Waste Management Bill is being circulated by the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] for comment by various stakeholders."
Anderson will speak at ITWeb's upcoming inaugural Green IT Summit on 13 May, at The Forum in Bryanston.
His presentation, "E-waste in Southern Africa: The good, the bad and how to get it right", will look at what e-waste is, its impact on our environment, and what business and government can do to combat the problem.
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