Computer monitors, batteries, chargers, cables, broken keyboards and modems – the world is producing ever-growing amounts of e-waste and not much of it is being disposed of in a safe, sustainable way.
The latest Global E-waste Monitor indicates that in 2022 the the world had generated 62 billion kilograms of e-waste, or an average of 7.8 kg per person. That’s an astonishing 82% increase on 2010. And not even a quarter of (22.3%) was properly disposed of and recycled.
Much of the e-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead and lithium, which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
It may also contain metals and other materials that can be recycled, and thus diverted from landfills, which are already overburdened. (Engineering News reported in 2021 that South Africa’s major urban landfills had less than 10 years’ life left in them).
Bizcommunity reports that in an attempt to do something to arrest the unsafe disposal of e-waste, national supermarket chain Pick n Pay (PnP) is collaborating with EWaste Africa and producer responsibility organisation E-waste Recycling Authority to reintroduce e-waste recycling stations in its stores.
E-waste recycling bins were first introduced in PnP stores about 15 years ago, but they were limited to mainly old batteries and lightbulbs.
The initiative has been now been expanded to the safe disposal of electronic devices and appliances, from kettles to old washing machines..
“Our existing e-waste bins have been adapted for the growing diversity of e-waste, which changes yearly as technology advances,” says Steffen Burrows, PnP sustainability manager.
According to IOL, the initiative is being rolled out in 29 PnP stores across South Africa, starting in Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, with more to be rolled out in the Free State, the northern region and Western Cape.
“The world’s resources are depleting at an exponential rate; these bins will help the momentum towards a circular economy where the waste is re-used,” says Pravashen Naidoo, managing director of EWaste Africa.
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