By Colin Williamson, CEO of Regener8 Group
E-waste is currently the fastest growing global waste stream. Five times more e-waste is produced than is formally recycled – and the problem is getting worse every year. This is Part 2 of a two-part article.
Colin Williamson, CEO of Regener8 Group. Supplied by Regener8 Group
Between 2010 and 2022, the amount of e-waste generated per year almost doubled from 34 million tonnes to 62 million tonnes. Consider how many devices we’ve all used personally and professionally in this time, and these figures are unsurprising.
Myth: refurbished tech is broken or risky
Reality: Not at all. Refurbished tech comes with a warranty like any new device and goes through a full range of repairs and checks to ensure that it’s working as it should. Provided the refurbishment has been performed by a credible reseller or recommerce supplier, it should be 100% trustworthy – and considerably more affordable.
Aesthetically, refurbished tech is ranked through a grading system, which weighs up whether it has some signs of use, or whether it’s in such good shape that it could essentially be considered new.
Myth: Extending the life of old tech is only an environmental issue.
Reality: Tech regeneration has massive social benefits, which should further fuel South Africa’s circular economy ambitions. By making refurbished tech more widely available at a fraction of the cost of new devices, we can help to close the digital divide in South Africa. This has the potential to have a massive ripple effect, helping underprivileged people to study, gain qualifications, secure work, and start and run their own businesses, and contributing to the future development of the country’s economy.
Of course, there is still room for improvement. The current National Environmental Waste Act (2008), for example, doesn’t include e-waste. And overall, more robust directives and monitoring is needed. That said, the Department of Environmental Affairs released a draft National Policy for the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment for public comment in June. And stronger extended producer responsibility legislation was enacted in 2021, requiring electronics producers and importers to register with the government and produce a plan for end-of-life management for their technology.
We all have a part to play in building South Africa’s circular economy and addressing e-waste is a mutually beneficial way to be part of this movement. Let International E-Waste Day be a powerful day for South Africa to envision a future where economic profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
References:
- International E-waste Dayis a yearly awareness raising celebration initiated by the WEEE Forum and its members and takes place every year on 14 October. It aims to highlight the growing issue of electronic waste and promote responsible e-waste management.
