Did you know that nearly 3.5 billion individuals, representing almost half of the global population, use smartphones? This figure continues to rise daily. This trend poses a significant environmental challenge, as manufacturing each device necessitates the extraction of non-renewable and polluting materials such as gold, cobalt, and lithium. These hidden treasures are just some of the valuable resources trapped within electronic waste, or e-waste. However, instead of being recycled, most e-waste ends up in landfills, leaching harmful toxins and creating a growing environmental crisis. Driven by the rapid advancement of technology and increasing consumer demand for new electronic gadgets, the e-waste problem has reached alarming levels both globally and within South Africa.
The Global E-Waste Problem
The amount of e-waste produced worldwide has been increasing rapidly. In 2022, around 62 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated, almost twice as much as in 2010. Despite this huge amount, most e-waste is not properly tracked or managed, with over three-quarters going unrecorded. It is predicted that by 2030, the world will produce more than 80 million metric tonnes of e-waste, showing the urgent need for better recycling and waste management systems. [Source: Statista]
According to Statista, the majority of this e-waste is generated in Asia, with China being the largest producer. However, Europe leads in per capita e-waste generation, with nearly 18 kilogrammes per person in 2022. The Americas and Oceania also generate significant amounts of e-waste per capita, far above the global average of 7.8 kilogrammes.
Despite the high volume of e-waste, only 22.3 per cent of it was documented as properly recycled in 2022. This means that a lot of valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth metals are wasted every year because they are not disposed of properly.
The Scope of the E-Waste Problem in South Africa
As of August 2022, the South African government has banned e-waste from landfills, encouraging citizens to recycle instead. This policy is driven by the need to mitigate the harmful effects of e-waste on the environment and human health. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment estimates that South Africa generates an annual average of 360,000 tonnes of e-waste. This accounts for 5% to 8% of the country’s municipal solid waste and is growing three times faster than any other waste stream. [Source: Issuu]
The Western Cape alone produced between 43,290 and 68,501 metric tonnes of e-waste in 2020, with a market value estimated at between R55.2 million and R109.8 million per year. This region serves as an important aggregation node for e-waste from the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, with a significant portion being transported to Gauteng for processing or export.
Consumer Electronics Consumption and E-Waste
In today’s fast-paced world, people are more likely to buy new electronics instead of fixing their old ones. This happens even more during sales and because of new technology, which makes buying new devices easier and often cheaper. Each person in South Africa creates 6 to 7 kg of e-waste every year, but only a small part of it (7% to 12%) is recycled properly. This large amount of discarded electronics adds extra pressure to the already struggling waste management systems.
Circular Energy, a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), stresses that all items using electricity or batteries should be recycled when they are no longer useful. Throwing these items away improperly can harm the environment because they contain dangerous materials.
Hazardous Materials in E-Waste
E-waste contains a variety of hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants. When e-waste is improperly disposed of, such as through burning or dumping in landfills, these toxic substances can be released into the environment. This leads to pollution of air, water, and soil, posing significant risks to human health.
Informal e-waste collectors often dismantle devices crudely on roadsides, near rivers, or in open spaces, releasing toxic effluents and generating harmful fumes. This practice not only contaminates the environment but also exposes individuals, especially children and women, to serious health risks.
The Health Impacts of the E-Waste Problem
The improper handling and disposal of e-waste can have severe and irreversible health effects. The toxic substances released can lead to respiratory problems, neurological damage, and other serious health issues. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with increased risks of stillbirth, premature birth, developmental issues, and reduced lung function.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated in 2021 that approximately 12.9 million women work in the informal waste sector, exposing themselves and their unborn children to toxic e-waste. Additionally, around 18 million children and adolescents are either directly involved in informal waste processing or live near e-waste recycling centres, putting them at high risk of exposure to hazardous materials. [Source: News24]
E-Waste Management and Recycling
South Africa has developed a network of formal and informal e-waste collectors and consolidators. Formal recycling facilities ensure that e-waste is processed in an environmentally sound manner, recovering valuable materials and preventing the release of toxic substances. However, there is still a significant gap in infrastructure and public awareness regarding proper e-waste disposal.
Towards a Circular Economy
A sustainable solution to the e-waste problem involves a circular approach to electronics. This means extending the lifespan of electronic devices through repair, reuse, and recycling. Manufacturers, consumers, policymakers, and other stakeholders must work together to create a more sustainable electronics lifecycle. Innovations such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help reduce material use and improve product tracking and takeback systems.
Read more about reducing, reusing and recycling e-waste.
The e-waste problem is a significant global challenge that requires immediate attention. With proper management, recycling, and a shift towards a circular economy, we can mitigate the harmful effects of e-waste and recover valuable resources. WEEE are SA is dedicated to raising awareness and providing solutions for proper e-waste management, helping South Africa contribute to a more sustainable future.
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