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 support and grow the e-waste industry and ensure alignment with national legislation, policies and regulations. As a response, a Municipal WEEE Compass was developed as a ‘one stop’ information source for all municipalities in South Africa to better understand how to manage WEEE as part of the broader waste management function, release WEEE from their asset registers, and facilitate the development of their local e-waste recycling industries.
The project followed a rigorous engagement process as a means to understand the context within which municipalities are operating. This included engagement with Provincial Waste Management Forums followed by ‘deep dive’ interviews with a selection of municipalities from across the country. The information gathered was used to prepare a framework for the Compass, and thereafter, a roadshow was done where workshops were hosted in-person in Gauteng, KZN and Cape Town along with a virtual workshop to cover all other stakeholders. This resulted in a draft Compass, which was further refined and tested with stakeholders.
The key thematic areas that were identified are:
Alignment and integration of policy and by-laws
Facilitation of municipal asset release
Integration of WEEE in the waste management system
Collaboration with PROs
For each thematic area, the specific challenges that are being faced are contextualised and thereafter, proposed solutions and recommendations are presented. Finally, roles and responsibilities for each of the key stakeholders are presented.
The Municipal WEEE Compass will continue to be updated as part of the Circular Electronics Initiative (CEI).
