IWMSA launches country-wide e-waste collection drive

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. These centres include Central Square Pinelands in Cape Town, 37 Sunninghill Office Park in Johannesburg for stakeholders in the immediate vicinity of the business park, the Pavilion in Durban, the Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg, and the Greenacres Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth.

Informative and fun occasion

"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," says Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman, president of the IWMSA.

"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," she says.

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."

Fastest growing waste stream

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, cellphones, 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 as well as pollute the air with toxic fumes, all of which can have dire consequences to plants, animals and people alike.

For more information about recycling e-waste in your area please contact the e-waste collection event coordinator Susanne Dittke at az.oc.tenisx@esnesorivne or at +27 (0)21 5320940 or +27 (0)71 8590829.