Pikitup, in partnership with e-WASA and waste reclaimers operating at the Marie Louise landfill site, launched an e-waste recycling initiative in Dobsonville, Soweto.
This initiative is one the first of its kind in South Africa, where the City of Johannesburg, through its waste management company, has partnered with a private entity to recycle electronic waste. This effort aligns with the national policy directive issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Mamogala Musekene, DFFE Deputy Director-General, at the DFFE, said “today’s event demonstrates the effectiveness of the expanded producer responsibility policy. Producers of electronic waste are actively participating in recycling efforts by donating tools and equipment, to extract value from these materials, in compliance with the policy directive.”
Jack Sekwaila, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services in the City of Johannesburg, said “this project will extend the life of Pikitup’s remaining landfill sites and mitigate the harmful effects of electronic waste on our residents and the environment.”
As part of the initiative, e-WASA has contributed containers to serve as operational warehouses and storage facilities for waste reclaimers. Additionally, the organization provided tools, waste collection trolleys, and balers to store materials efficiently.
Dumisani Siziba, e-WASA’s Head of Municipal and Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), said the initiative’s role will be to assist producer companies meet legal requirements to recycle electronic waste.
The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (e-WASA) is a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting, Portable Batteries, Lubricant Oils, and Paper and Packaging.
e-WASA invested R1.1 million in equipment, to ensure the project’s success.
Picture: CoJ