Limpopo: Limpopo residents will be able to dispose of their electronic waste at a recycling facility and get paid for it. This development comes as the government launched the E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project initiative in Limpopo, which will allow residents to dispose of their electronic waste at a recycling facility and receive payments from the Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) participating in the project.
According to South African Government News Agency, the initiative was announced by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, at the launch event in the Thulamela Local Municipality. Swarts emphasized the growing issue of electronic waste and the environmental hazards it poses, underscoring the project’s importance in addressing these challenges. Three PROs will participate in the initiative, setting up collection points where community members can bring their e-waste to be weighed and recorded.
Swarts explained that residents would receive financial incentives via cellphone payments based on the weight and type of electronic items they recycle. Additionally, participants will receive vouchers ranging from R30 to R50, and a “spin-a-wheel” competition offers a chance to win extra vouchers redeemable at Shoprite/Checkers. The initiative aims to engage local collectors in Limpopo and specifically the Vhembe District, facilitating the collection of large items locally.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District Municipality, industry stakeholders, and the PROs. Swarts highlighted the project’s goal of implementing a sustainable system for e-waste recycling, raising community awareness about recycling, and preventing toxic substances from contaminating soil and water.
According to the Deputy Minister, South Africa produces over 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, with only 10% properly managed. She emphasized the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, implemented since November 2021, to compel electronic product producers to take responsibility for proper recycling.
As part of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, South Africa aims to reduce landfill waste, increase recycling rates, and promote a circular economy. The EPR regulations are crucial to this vision, ensuring that producers are involved in waste management. Swarts expressed optimism about the pilot project’s success and potential to serve as a model for other municipalities in Limpopo and beyond.