It is always nice to get a new gadget or electronic toy to play with, but how do we dispose of it when it is outdated or broken?
What classifies as e-Waste?
All end-of-life, discarded or old appliances that use electricity can be classified as e-Waste.
Small household appliances- Large household appliances
- Light bulbs and batteries
- Office equipment
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electronic and electric tools
- Consumer and entertainment electronics
Why not just throw it away with normal household refuse?
- e-Waste contains recyclable materials like metals, glass, and plastics.
- e-Waste contains hazardous materials like mercury that need special handling and recycling methods.
How to dispose of e-Waste?
e-Waste can be refurbished for reuse by someone else. It can also be dismantled and the components can be individually recycled into new products. To dispose of e-Waste in South Africa, you can find bins at e-Waste Initiative Partners.
These include:
- Makro
- Fujitsu South Africa
- Incredible Connection (Enviro Connection)
- HiFi Corporation
Have a lookout for e-Waste bins at Makro stores nationwide. You can also visit ecycle.co.za for more info on collection points.
For information on recycling go to desco.co.za and if you are wondering how to recycle batteries (or lamps!) go to reclite.co.za for your closest collection site details.
Here's to a cleaner planet!
