Our Challenge with Electronic Waste
Our existence is interwoven with electronic equipment. Our cellular telephones, tablets, laptops, desk computers, TV screens, watches, pacemakers – and that is just starting to scratch the surface. We cannot imagine an hour in a day that we are not using a type of electronic equipment.
We cannot deny that these instruments make our lives easier and more efficient. Even though it can be frustrating if we do not fully understand how to use it or when these tools do not perform the way we intend them to do.
But alas, our electronic toys do not last forever. Components like charging units, batteries and even sometimes the whole unit must be replaced. Because we are still part of the throw-away generation, we do not even consider the safe disposal of any electronic equipment. These obsolete instruments are most often just dumped in our household waste bins.
What we seem to be blissfully unaware of, is that these expensive toys consist of hazardous components that pose a real risk to the environment. They contain heavy metals such as lead, nickel and lithium, that enter groundwater, accumulate in the soil over years and react with other elements on landfill sites that may emit harmful gases. We do not think about the effects long-term exposure to the weather elements or reaction with other components on landfill sites has on these items. We do not connect the dots of increased prevalence of cancer, skin diseases, respiratory infections with those of our waste disposal habits.
Dear reader, were you aware that legislation was adopted in August 2013 to prohibit electronic equipment and old batteries from being dumped in landfills? Regulations promulgated under our waste legislation since 2021 force manufacturers, distributors and importers of electronic equipment and packaging materials to have registered programs in place to prevent any component of their equipment and packaging materials from ending up on a landfill site. We are just blissfully unaware of these requirements .
We also need to change our habits. Start asking your suppliers about waste recycling options. Think twice before disposing of ANY waste – because in the case of waste disposal, out of sight is not out of mind. Mother Nature has reached the end of her tether with our careless waste disposal habits. What we discard today or tomorrow, is certain to impact on us in months and years to come.
- Recycle with a certified e-waste recycler.
- Return them to the manufacturer of your device.
- Sell your electronic devices online.
- Donate your electronic devices to charity.
WHERE CAN YOU RECYCLE YOUR E-WASTE?
In George:
LG E-waste, 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp
In Mosselbay:
Sonskynvallei Waste Transfer Station
KwaNonqaba Waste Transfer Station
For more information on recycling, waste diversion and minimisation, send an e-mail to admin@mosselbay.gov.za
