Free, safe disposal of electronic waste

KOUGA – Kouga partners with eWASA : Kouga Municipality has teamed up with the e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) to amplify electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in the region – representing a groundbreaking initiative for the municipality.

Incorporating the assessment of vital infrastructure, equipment, and resources for efficient waste management projects, the R1.67 million initiative, guided by the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), aims to enhance waste collection and recycling and seeks to generate local employment opportunities.

“We are delighted to provide an e-waste service for the first time in Kouga,” said Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman.

“The project contributes to environmental sustainability and aligns with the municipality’s endeavour to create job opportunities and empower youth, women, and individuals with disabilities.”

eWASA contributed three fully equipped e-waste recycling containers for the cause. These 40-foot containers, furnished with recycling tools and storage facilities, are stationed at two designated drop-off sites (Paradise Beach and St Francis Bay) and the Humansdorp Landfill Site.

Kouga partners with eWASA

“Here, Small, Medium, and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs), as designated by the municipality, will process and accept e-waste, subsequently selling the recovered components to downstream recyclers,” said Bornman.

In addition, residents can also send a message to crudolph@kouga.gov.za for additional information or to arrange for the collection of e-waste.

“eWASA’s engagement goes beyond infrastructure support, extending to comprehensive training and mentorship programmes aimed at ensuring the success of these SMMEs,” said Bornman.

“Additionally, eWASA further enhances the partnership by providing the municipality with personal protective equipment (PPE), bulk bags, and waste picker trolleys.

“These resources are intended to augment the efforts of SMMEs and waste reclaimers, working in tandem with the municipality – ultimately resulting in elevated recycling rates and reduced waste directed to landfill sites.”

He said the municipality urges residents to actively improve their environment and drop off all unwanted electronic items at one of the three dedicated e-waste sites in Kouga.

What is electronic waste?

Electronic waste (e-waste) includes anything with plugs, cords, and electronic components.

E-waste commonly originates from various sources, encompassing televisions, computers, mobile phones and a wide range of household appliances, from air conditioners to children’s toys.

Home appliances

Microwaves
Home entertainment devices
Electric cookers
Heaters
Fans
Toasters

Communication and Information Technology devices

Cell phones
Smartphones
Desktop computers
Computer monitors
Laptops
Circuit boards
Hard drives

Home entertainment devices

DVDs
BlueRay players
Stereos
Televisions
Video game systems
Fax machines
Copiers
Printers

Electronic utilities

Massage chairs
Heating pads
Remote controls
Electrical cords
Lamps
Smart lights
Night lights
Treadmills
FitBits
Smartwatches
Heart monitors
Diabetic testing equipment

Office and medical equipment

Copiers/printers
IT server racks
Cords and cables
WiFi dongles
Dialysis machines
Imaging equipment
Phone and PBX systems
Audio and video equipment
Network hardware (servers, switches, hubs, etc.)
Power strips and power supplies
Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS)
Power distribution systems (PDUs)
Autoclave
Defibrillator

Additional information

The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) is a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting and Paper and Packaging and Portable Batteries Sectors.

As part of the Kouga partners with eWASA project, eWASA is a not-for-profit organisation committed to delivering cost-effective compliance for its producer members.

eWASA represents some of the largest producers within the household electrical and electronic industry who have a producer responsibility as mandated by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations of November 2020. These regulations came into effect on 5 May 2021 and stipulate that producers must organise and finance the environmental management of their products at the end of their lives.

eWASA was formed in 2008 to manage the establishment of a sustainable, environmentally sound e-waste management system for the country. Since then, they have worked with manufacturers, vendors and distributors of electronic and electrical goods and e-waste handlers (including refurbishers, dismantlers and recyclers) to effectively manage e-waste, lighting, and paper and packaging waste.

As an existing registered PRO, eWASA (in consultation with producers) developed and submitted an industry-compliant scheme on their behalf.

eWASA has been the EPR Scheme of choice for many producers in South Africa across all sectors and is also a Level 2 BBBEE contributor.

Kouga partners with eWASA in a wide-ranging recycling initiative.