As International E-Waste Day is marked on 14 October, the City of Cape Town is encouraging residents to clear out their drawers, cupboards and storage spaces of unwanted electronic devices and ensure these items are disposed of responsibly.
This year’s international campaign focuses on ‘Fast Tech’, the small, often inexpensive electronic devices that people buy, replace and frequently forget about or throw away. Items such as old charging cables, earphones, USB adapters and small gadgets may seem insignificant, but collectively they contribute to the growing electronic waste challenge.
The City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate is reminding residents that electronic waste (e-waste) should never simply be thrown into the general waste bin. These items may contain hazardous substances that can harm the environment if handled or disposed of incorrectly. They can also contain valuable materials that can be recovered and recycled, reducing waste and the demand for new raw materials.
‘Small electronic items are easy to overlook, but they all contribute to the growing e-waste problem. International E-Waste Day is an opportunity for residents to act by identifying unwanted electronics in their homes and ensuring they reach the appropriate collection points. Responsible disposal helps protect our environment, recover valuable materials and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
What is e-waste?
E-waste includes electrical and electronic equipment that is unwanted, broken, outdated or no longer in use. As a general guide, if an item has a plug, cable or battery, it may qualify as e-waste.
Common examples include:
- Old cellphones, tablets and computers
- Chargers, cables, USB adapters and earphones
- Keyboards, computer mice and card readers
- Game consoles and other electronic gadgets
- Televisions, computer monitors and printers
- Radios, DVD players and other small household electronics
- Certain light bulbs, including CFL and LED bulbs, which require specific disposal arrangements
Residents are encouraged to check their homes for these items and consider whether they can be repaired, reused or donated before arranging appropriate disposal.
How to dispose of e-waste responsibly
Residents can use the following options to ensure their unwanted electronics are handled appropriately:
- City drop-off facilities: Consult the list of City drop-off sites that accept residential e-waste. Not all facilities accept e-waste, so residents should check the list before visiting. These sites do not accept e-waste from businesses.
- Batteries and light bulbs: Do not place these items in ordinary City drop-off facilities. Residents can take batteries and CFL/LED bulbs to the household hazardous waste drop-off facilities at Athlone and Bellville Refuse Transfer Stations, or make use of retailers offering take-back services.
- Private recycling services: Residents can find private companies that collect or purchase e-waste through the City’s Waste Recyclers Map. Businesses can also use the map to identify service providers for their e-waste.
Residents should check the accepted waste categories and requirements of their chosen facility or service provider before dropping off their items.
‘Let’s make responsible e-waste disposal part of our everyday habits. Before throwing away a small electronic item, consider whether it can be reused or recycled. Every device taken to the correct collection point is a step towards reducing pollution, recovering valuable resources and keeping harmful materials out of the environment,’ said Alderman Twigg.
