Q: What should I do with my old gadget that no longer works? There’s no point in fixing it, so it’s a waste to just throw it away.
A: You’re talking about e-waste. The problem is growing around the world as people discard outdated technologies that can contain harmful elements and can be disposed of in more sustainable ways.
South Africa’s 2020 National Waste Management Strategy, released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, aims to divert waste from landfills by creating a “secondary resource economy” that reuses usable waste. It is an object. This is known as the circular economy and comes in many forms. This strategy has a hierarchy of approaches in the order of “waste and reduce, reuse, recycle, recover and dispose”, meaning that throwing something in the trash should be a last resort.
But given the disgraceful amount of trash and poor waste management across South Africa, don’t expect the government to help you the moment you leave the main roads or wealthy areas.
Here are some things you can do.
• Donate to charity.. Many charities collect used items for resale or reuse and often have relationships with e-waste organizations and recycling businesses.
• Send it to a certified e-waste recycling facility. South Africa has a lot of this e-waste and we dispose of it responsibly. Visit the SA E-waste Association at ewasa.org and scroll down to the interactive map with comprehensive details of our partner organizations.
• Some retailers such as Hi-Fi Corporation and Makro; Old electronics take-back program.they have it too Electronic waste return point.
• A non-profit organization called Circular Energy hosts. Electronic waste collection day Usually sold in shopping centers to coincide with International Electronic Waste Day on October 14th, but keep an eye out for announcements at your local shopping mall.
“Our e-collection day aims to make sustainable options more accessible and convenient for everyone,” said Circular Energy spokesperson Patricia Schroeder. “Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s important that we address the e-waste challenge responsibly. By providing an opportunity to hassle-freely recycle unwanted devices, we are making a positive difference in our communities. I hope it brings.”
She says Circular Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond recycling. It is about encouraging a broader shift towards sustainable practices.
So even if your gadget stops working, remember that it still contains valuable materials that can be recycled and reused. Disposing of old electronic equipment responsibly helps protect the environment and conserve resources.