The E-Waste Circular Economy in South Africa
South Africa, Africa's largest e-waste producer, generates over 360,000 tons annually, with only 10% properly recycled. The circular economy, emphasising waste reduction, material reuse, and product recycling, offers a sustainable solution through designing long-lasting products, promoting repair, and recovering materials. ITR, together with R2E2 (PRO) and some producers, are currently evaluating the current state of e-waste in South Africa, the principles of a circular economy, and how these principles can be applied to create a more sustainable e-waste management system. We are evaluating the existing EPR benefits, challenges, and existing initiatives and implementing processes that are paving the way for a functional circular economy in South Africa
1. Environmental Benefits . Reduced pollution: Proper recycling prevents hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water. Conservation of resources: Recovering metals like gold, steel, aluminium and copper reduces the need for mining, conserving natural resources. 2. Economic Benefits. Job creation: New opportunities in collection, recycling, refurbishment, and waste management sectors. Revenue generation: Recovered materials can be sold, creating a revenue stream for businesses and the government. Cost savings: Reducing raw material extraction and waste disposal costs. 3. Social Benefits Improved public health: Reducing exposure to toxic substances from improper e-waste disposal. Skills development: Training programs for unemployed and unskilled workers in the recycling and repair sectors. Access to affordable electronics: Refurbished IT devices can be sold at lower prices, increasing access and bridging the digital divide for low-income communities.
Initiatives we have implemented to promote a circular economy for e-waste in South Africa:
ITR: A leading e-waste recycling company that processes e-waste safely and recovers valuable materials. Working closely with R2E2 to develop a national collection model, creating new e-waste recycling companies and developing a Track & Trace system, assisting producers to become EPR compliant. R2E2: A leading e-waste PRO specialising in supplying producers with EPR compliance at flexible and fair EPR fees. Implementing the development of a national collection model and creating e-waste job opportunities for the informal recycling sector.