Municipal WEEE Compass
South African local municipalities face significant challenges in managing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). As frontline entities in waste management, municipalities must navigate a complex legal framework while addressing practical implementation issues. During 2022 – 2023, a range of SRI reports were produced which highlighted the need for guidance for municipalities on how to […]
National Norms & Standards
Normative Requirements & Performance Measures: Building Industry Standards A comprehensive Norms and Standards (N&S) framework for the WEEE sector has been developed, complete with detailed technical guideline-based appendices covering critical WEEE management aspects and responsibilities such as proper materials accounting and decontamination practices. A dedicated implementation guidance document was also developed for all interested and […]
National WEEE Policy
The Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) team, with technical support from WRFA experts and in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), developed a comprehensive National Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Policy. The Policy was officially adopted and published for implementation by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on […]
Small-Scale E-Waste Facilities Framework
This project aimed to create a framework for Small-Scale E-Waste Facilities (SSEF) in South Africa. The framework is intended to be a valuable tool for SMMEs, not-for-profit organisations (NPOs), PROs, and the public sector to better understand how SMMEs within the e-waste management space currently operate and can subsequently be best supported going forward. Drawing […]
Problematic WEEE Fractions
Knowledge Exchange Webinar Series: Advancing WEEE Solutions A comprehensive series of engagements were designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and critical engagement across key topical WEEE management challenges. These forums brought together national and international experts, industry practitioners, and academic researchers to address these emerging waste streams. Each engagement produced comprehensive documentation of key […]
How South Africa Is Building A Better E-Waste Management System
South Africa has made major strides in how it manages electronic waste, thanks in part to the Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) programme. Between 2020 and 2025, the SRI project in South Africa laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable e-waste management system. From national policy development to public education and training, the […]
WEEE Incentives Mapping
The WEEE Incentive Mapping project was undertaken in order to identify and share all available incentives, accelerators, incubators, and related support programmes that exist in South Africa that are applicable to the WEEE recycling industry. This research aims to bolster the WEEE sector by highlighting tangible support programmes that can be leveraged by industry stakeholders. […]
What Inspires South Africa: Innovative E-Waste Management Solutions Around the (Developing) World
What happens to your phone when you upgrade to the latest model? Or the microwave once your new air fryer proves better in every way? They may still work, but the moment you decide to part with them, they become e-waste—short for waste electrical and electronic equipment, or ‘WEEE’. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream […]
Applying R-Strategies to Identify High-Impact Electronic Waste Solutions
Mismanaged electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) bears significant social and environmental risks in South Africa. Hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and toxic plastic additives pose serious potential health risks for people and the environment. The ‘R-Strategies’ are an extension of the age-old idiom ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ to include more specific ‘R’ words such as […]
A Guide to Rethinking, Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Electronics for Businesses, Individuals, and Governments
As technology advances, the challenge of managing electronic waste (e-waste) also increases – ideally with a focus on reducing its generation in the first place. Properly managing this waste is crucial for protecting our environment and conserving valuable resources. This blog explores sustainable e-waste management and how businesses, individuals, and governments can take action to […]