- by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures
Everyday use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), coupled with built-in product obsolescence (the deliberate design of products with a predetermined lifespan), contributes to the increased manufacturing, use, and disposal of end-of-life and end-of-use EEEs. Discarded EEEs are collectively referred to as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), also known as e-waste. Examples of e-waste include computers, mobile phones, monitors/screens, appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens and washing machines, electric toys, lightening equipment, automatic dispensers, medical devices, monitoring and control devices, chargers, and recreational equipment such as earpods, earphones, treadmills and e-cigarettes. E-waste is considered the most rapidly growing waste stream in the world. Between 2019 and 2022, the amount of e-waste generated increased by approximately 15.67%, climbing from 53.6 million tonnes to 62 million tonnes. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, global e-waste grows by an estimated 2.6 million tonnes annually, with projections indicating that the total of global e-waste could reach 82 million tonnes by 2030.
E-waste generated worldwide poses a great risk to human health and the environment, especially when not properly disposed of or recycled and when it ends up in landfills. E-waste contains several highly toxic substances, such as lead and mercury, that can pollute soil, water and air, negatively affecting human health and wellbeing if improperly discarded. Despite its hazardous nature, e-waste contains valuable materials such as copper, gold and iron, which can be recycled into secondary raw materials.
In 2022, the global e-waste management industry generated approximately $28 billion. Europe leads the way as over 40% of the e-waste produced on the continent is recycled. In Africa, however, less than 1% of e-waste is recycled. South Africa, the second largest producer of e-waste in Africa, generated 530 million kg of e-waste in 2022. South Africa's formal recycling efforts only manage to recover between 7% and 12% of its total e-waste output. This figure could potentially double when considering the contributions of the informal sector.
An e-waste landfill ban has been in place in South Africa since 23 August 2021, but since current regulations are poorly enforced, e-waste is still finding its way to landfill sites. Additionally, South Africa faces challenges in e-waste management ascribed to limited infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and underdeveloped collection mechanisms. To address these issues, the South African government has highlighted e-waste management as a key focus area in its Chemical and Waste Economy Phakisa (a presidential programme addressing environmental damage and unlocking the economic potential of hazardous waste).
Studies regarding the disposal of EEEs have emphasised that consumer behaviour is one of the most critical issues in the management of e-waste. Recognising this, the University of the Free State (UFS), through an initiative of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures, is set to celebrate International E-Waste Day on October 14, 2024, from 9:00 – 13:00 at the Student Centre stage, Thakaneng bridge, by 1) raising awareness of this pressing issue among the different segments of the UFS community 2) reaffirming the UFS's commitment to environmental sustainability, 3) encouraging the UFS community (students and staff) to properly dispose of their e-waste. E-waste items can be recycled at Free State E-waste, which is a certified collector of e-waste, will have a container available on the Bloemfontein campus on October 14, 2024. Please note that UFS assets should not be brought to this e-waste container, as UFS assets (old screens, laptops, printers) follow other end-of-use processes. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable future.
The urgency for this intervention is highlighted by recent statistics, which reveal that South Africa's e-waste is growing three times faster than solid municipal waste. According to the Recycling of Waste and Scrap in South Africa 2023 report, the rapid growth of e-waste will necessitate more e-waste recyclers and present significant job opportunities. In 2015, the e-waste recycling sector in South Africa employed around 677 people in 18 businesses. E-waste recycling can potentially create 25 jobs for every 1 000 tonnes of e-waste.
Therefore, the rapid growth of e-waste presents both a challenge and an opportunity for transformative action. By participating in the International E-Waste Day event at the UFS on October 14, 2024, we can turn this environmental challenge into a catalyst for positive change. Let's seize the moment to not just dispose of old electronics but to contribute to a sustainable future, support job creation and set an example of responsible citizenship. Don't let this opportunity go to waste- join us in making a difference.
0 Comments.