‘You’ve Got Mail’ – what to do when you no longer want it
As technology advances and becomes more central to our lives, new challenges emerge – how to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronic and electrical items.
In South Africa, electronic waste disposal is governed by the National Environmental Management Waste Act 59 of 2008, the National Environmental Management Act of 1998, the National Waste Strategy, 2020 as well as the Norms and Standards for Disposal of Waste to Landfill (GNR 636 of 2013).
E-Waste – which is short for waste electronic and electrical equipment – is the fastest-growing waste stream in the country. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (‘DFFE’) at least 360 000 tonnes of e-waste is generated annually. Alarmingly, only 5%–12% of this is recycled; the rest ends up in landfills.
Common e-waste comprises of light bulbs and fittings, cell phones, cell phone chargers, laptops, computer, printers, batteries and battery chargers to name a few. When incorrectly disposed, these items can release hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and chromium VI into the environment, posing a serious risk to human health and resulting in air, water and soil pollution.
The Right Way to Dispose of E-waste
- Households and businesses should take e-waste to licensed recycling facilities
- Businesses can register with Producer Responsibility Organisations for effective waste management
- Data protection is vital. Businesses must comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (‘POPIA) and ensure that all personal is permanently removed from all devices for disposing or recycling. Businesses should obtain a data destruction certificate for record keeping.
By recycling e-waste responsibly, we reduce environmental harm, conserve resources, and protect public health, while also ensuring compliance with environmental and data protection laws.
Contact Ariscu for tracking and compliance with your organisation’s waste management activities and corporate responsibilities.
