It is imperative to correctly dispose of the ever increasing mound of e-Waste which is generated by our fast-moving technological society. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) and the locally established e-waste handlers and recyclers e-Waste Alliance (eWA), “re-“ and DESCO are going all-out this year to launch the first ever co-ordinated nationwide e-Waste collection drive on 01 November 2012 (except Cape Town which will take place on the 3rd of November).
The IWMSA in partnership with eWA has previously been the driving force behind successful e-Waste collection days, particularly in the Western Cape. This year’s collection will be run across South Africa together with offices of participating engineering and environmental consulting engineers, Jeffares & Green, and selected shopping centres (Central Square Pinelands, 37 Sunninghill Office Park for stakeholders in the immediate vicinity of the business park, the Pavilion, the Liberty Midlands Mall and the Greenacres Shopping Centre) in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Port Elizabeth respectively.
Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman, President of the IWMSA says “In a bid to provide collection solutions and to educate the public as to the importance of correctly disposing of this potentially extremely hazardous form of waste, the IWMSA and all partners of this year’s collection drive strive to ensure an informative and fun occasion including super prizes for lucky participants.”
“The IWMSA and eWA were delighted with last year’s extremely successful collection which was held at the Pinelands offices of Jeffares & Green when more than 3,5 tons of e-Waste was collected from households and business in the Cape Town area.”
Susanne Dittke, the e-waste collection day co-ordinator added, “We must stress that any e-Waste that is collected will be re-furbished, repaired, re-used or recycled where possible, and ONLY safely disposed of if no other treatment options are available. All materials will be handled according to integrated waste management principles and in the most environmentally safe manner”.
what is e-Waste?
e-Waste comprises any unwanted electrical or electronic equipment (either running on batteries or electricity) such as computers, TV’s, VCR’s and DVD’s, consumer electronics, kettles, printers, fax machines, cell phones, toasters, microwaves and/or direct parts thereof. Also included are ‘consumables’ such as cartridges or batteries.
E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa with many redundant items being generated due to rapid advances in new technology.
Due to the numerous chemical elements and heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and cadmium) contained in most electric and electronic goods any resulting e-Waste can be hazardous and toxic, causing serious health and environmental pollution problems if not responsibly handled. Hazardous components from mismanaged e-Waste can contaminate soil and water (if unsafely disposed of) as well as pollute the air with toxic fumes (if burnt), all of which can have dire consequences to plants, animals and people alike.
more info
For more information about recycling e-waste in your area please contact the e-waste collection event coordinator Susanne Dittke: at envirosense@xsinet.co.za or at 021-5320940 or 0718590829.
The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.
The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management. For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za.
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