SA consumers embrace e-waste recycling

by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africans are showing a growing willingness to recycle electronic waste responsibly when sustainable disposal is made convenient and rewarding, according to the results of a Vodacom South Africa recycling challenge.

The Turn Your E-Waste into Rewards Challenge, run in partnership with Circular Energy NPC, collected more than 2.27 tonnes of electronic waste through 114 home collections across eight provinces.

Gauteng recorded the highest participation, contributing more than 1.33 tonnes, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 609.8kg and the Western Cape with 307kg.

The initiative comes as South Africa grapples with a rapidly growing e-waste problem. The UN Global E-Waste Monitor estimates that the country generates about 530 million kilograms of e-waste annually, equivalent to almost eight kilograms per person.

Much of this waste is stored in households or disposed of incorrectly, despite containing valuable materials that can be recovered and reused.

Takalani Netshitenzhe, director of external affairs at Vodacom South Africa, said the campaign demonstrated that convenience and collaboration could influence consumer behaviour.

The challenge allowed participants to schedule free home collections through Circular Energy, removing a key barrier to responsible disposal.

Patricia Schröder, CEO of Circular Energy, said the response showed that consumers were willing to recycle when practical services were available.

The partnership, established in 2024, forms part of Vodacom’s broader circular economy strategy, which includes extending device lifespans and reducing waste.

Its RedLovesGreen programme also encourages customers to repair, refurbish, resell or responsibly recycle devices, while the company continues efforts to reuse, resell and recycle network equipment.

The initiative supports South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and aims to keep valuable materials in circulation while reducing pressure on landfills.

– CAJ News