The Waste Classification and Management Regulations under the Waste Act (R634 Waste Classification & Management Regulations) calls for a total ban of the disposal of e-waste in landfill sites by 2021, with a ban on mercury bearing lamps by 2016.
The Waste Classification and Management Regulations under the Waste Act (R634 Waste Classification & Management Regulations) calls for a total ban of the disposal of e-waste in landfill sites by 2021, with a ban on mercury bearing lamps by 2016.
In a recent media statement Dr Suzan Oelofse, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), said, “E-waste should not be discarded with municipal waste as it contains heavy metals such as mercury, which can contaminate water resources."
Head of research and development at eWASA, Lene Ecroignard, also warns of the harmful effects of e-waste if not disposed of properly. She said, “E-waste is quite hazardous; if leakages occur in then it can affect water supplies through the ground.”
E-waste or electronic waste is disposable material that has electronic circuits or components such as common household appliances like laptops and batteries for your remote control which often need replacement. Although e-waste can contain harmful materials, recyclable parts are also rather valuable.
“The valuable and rare resources can be recovered and enter the product life cycle again as raw materials, while the hazardous components need to be treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.” said Chairman of eWASA, Keith Anderson.
South Africa has developed successful formal e-waste systems, with the help of organisations such as eWASA. Collection points, including those set up by retailers such as Makro and Pick n Pay, are set to be expanded nationally.
There are many e-waste services in Grahamstown, as a variety of businesses have tried to cater for this need. Ryan Louw, store manager at Pick n Pay, says that Pick n Pay provides a special bin for e-waste such as cartridges and batteries.
Rhodes Furniture and Equipment store clerk, Anton Kivitts, confirms that the drop-off point for e-waste for Rhodes staff is open to the public for use.
He said, “Businesses started to come to us because they had nowhere to put their e-waste and then schools started to come which is why we decided to open it up to the public.”
Those looking to get rid of their unused or broken electronic appliances can use the drop-off point at the Rhodes Furniture and Equipment Store.
It is situated on Rhodes campus behind the African Media Matrix Journalism and Media Studies department, and is open on Wednesday mornings from 8am to 10am. People who would like to see their mice and keyboards recycled into artwork or other products can visit Kisma Kreative to drop off their unusables.
Anderson, speaking of similar "upcycling" of materials, explained, “Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass can be used for road surfacing and Waste2Art projects create crafts, jewellery and arts using dismantled e-waste".
Recycled e-waste plastics are also often used for useful ammenities such as roof tiles, fence droppers and guttering. However, despite the need for proper e-waste disposal, the possible harmful effects on those working in the industry cannot be taken lightly.
Anderson said, “E-waste workers can be exposed to many harmful effects of carcinogens and other hazardous substances found in e-waste” eWasa holds collection days four times a year at various sites around the country with 635 collection points to raise awareness.
Environmentally conscious locals should think twice, and utilise the last collection day for this year, 6 December, to make use of available services in town.
“We urge the community to take part and help preserve our environment”, said Oelofse.
Visit mywaste.co.za or the eWASA website (ewasa.org) to find a collection point in your area.
Electronic waste (e-waste) can contaminate water sources – something Grahamstown cannot afford, due to our water problems.
Following a recent awareness campaign by the e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), Grocott's Mail researched how Grahamstown residents and businesses can discard their e-waste in an environmentally safe way.
