Money is the driving force behind the world's activities. In the realm of e-waste collection, it entices many optimistic individuals who eagerly anticipate receiving vouchers in return for keeping their electronic waste for an extended period.
What is e-waste?
Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, refers to various forms of old, non-functional, or unwanted electrical and electronic equipment that is at the end of its useful life. This includes household appliances, office devices, entertainment and consumer electronics, lighting equipment, electric and electronic tools, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, cellphones, printers, and copiers.
The E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) and Makro's 2023 E-Waste Campaign
The ERA had initially intended to conduct the campaign over two weekends—on 14 & 15 October and 21 & 22 October 2023—but decided to cancel the event for the second weekend. The E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) halted its "The Future Started Yesterday" initiative, which incentivised individuals to recycle their electronic waste by offering Makro vouchers worth up to R600 per person per day.
ERA explained that the suspension was due to the high demand and success of the initiative during the initial weekend, which led to the distribution of all available vouchers.
During that weekend, over 12,500 people participated in the campaign, turning up across the country with full carts of electronic waste to exchange for vouchers.
With the minimum voucher value of R100, at least R1.25 million in vouchers were handed out over the weekend. Participants had dropped off over 130,000 kg of e-waste that was recycled or repaired rather than collecting dust in people’s homes or posing a health hazard in landfills.
The analysis of Makro's 2023 e-waste initiative in Gqeberha showed that residents supported the e-waste collection point in exchange for vouchers, contributing to the campaign's success.
One of the campaign's key successes was the significant increase in the amount of e-waste collected compared to previous years, indicating a positive response from the community. The campaign not only helped to reduce the environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal but also raised awareness about the importance of recycling electronic devices.
However, despite these achievements, Makro's local e-waste campaign faced challenges and setbacks. One notable failure was the difficulty in reaching certain segments of the population, particularly those living a distance from the Bridgemeade branch. This highlighted the need for a more targeted outreach effort to ensure a more comprehensive e-waste collection system. Regrettably, the Gqberha Makro did not receive a permanent e-waste recycling bin from ERA, depriving local residents of the chance to have a regular place to dispose of their electronic waste. Also, the designated collection points for batteries and ink cartridges, as shown on Google Search, also failed to materialize.
"Drop off E-waste bins are located at car parks at these Makro stores: Woodmead | Riversands | Carnival | Strubens Valley | Alberton | Centurion | Crown Mines | Germiston Silverlakes | Wonderboom | Vaal | Amanzimtoti | Cornubia | Pietermaritzburg | Polokwane | Nelspruit | Bloemfontein | Montague Gardens | Cape Gate. " - Extract from Makro's website concerning the branches that have designated drop off bins for e-waste, all year round. |
Will there be a 2024 e-waste campaign at Makro Gqberha?
Investigation
Wise Owl Lifestyle contacted Makro Customer Care early in August this year via email to ask whether the Gqeberha branch would be hosting an e-waste drive this October to celebrate World E-waste Day. We were told that they had asked our local branch to contact us. Weeks later, after not hearing from them, we decided to pay them a visit. Reception put me through to a manager who told me that no e-waste collection was planned for October. Two days later, My Broadband posted an article indicating that a 2024 Campaign was, in fact, planned. Since this article, nothing more has been said or, to my knowledge, been promoted in the media.
Promises of a 2024 campaign
According to MYBROADBAND, on 16th August, the Makro vouchers for the e-waste campaign were back on track.
According to the E-waste Recycling Association (ERA), they plan to organise another event where they will provide rewards in return for old appliances and devices. The article mentioned that the ERA cannot disclose more details until later. Additionally, whether the upcoming event will involve Makro has not been confirmed. It is important to mention that last year, the event was held on International E-waste Day, which is celebrated on the 14th of October each year.
The media also reported that ERA may test electronic waste bins at specific Builders Warehouse stores in the upcoming months and is willing to explore opportunities to encourage customers to collaborate with their partner(s). However, ERA may wait until closer to this date to share further information.
What dangers are associated with improper disposal of e-waste?
Soil contamination is one of the primary dangers associated with improper e-waste disposal. Many electronic devices contain harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury. If these items pile up in landfills, these poisonous materials leach into the ground, poisoning water, air, soil, and ecosystems. Moreover, electronic waste disposal occupies valuable landfill space, a problem that recycling can alleviate.
How do you dispose of your e-waste?
Place the e-wast items in a black bag that goes to landfill.
Support an e-waste campaign.
Drop off e-waste at my local e-waste recycling business.
The law and electronic waste
In South Africa, improperly disposing of electronic waste is illegal. According to the new extended producer responsibility regulations that took effect on 5 November 2021, manufacturers and producers are responsible for managing the end-of-life of their products. Electronic waste cannot be thrown away in landfills and must be recycled by authorised recycling facilities. Furthermore, the management, treatment, and disposal of e-waste must comply with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act.
Wise Owl Lifestyle is organising a campaign for e-waste drop-off
Although we do not aim to compete with ERA & Makro, we strongly advocate for the regular collection of e-waste throughout the year rather than just during a couple of weekends. While we cannot provide vouchers, we plan to arrange convenient drop-off points in your neighborhood for your e-waste disposal.
Wise Owl Lifestyle has resolved to initiate a campaign that will enable us to establish one-day drop-off points in various suburbs across our city every month. PE Metal and E-Waste Recyclers have been selected as our preferred recycling partner. They are accredited by the E-Waste Association of South Africa (E-WASA) and are committed to processing all e-waste collected in an eco-friendly way. They will take responsibility for the e-waste collected through our campaign.
Conclusion
It's unfortunate that adults still need a reward as an incentive to do the morally right thing. While the added financial benefit is welcomed in the current economy, we are setting a precedent by doing this. Despite many individuals using these opportunities to get rid of their e-waste, most still opt to toss it into their regular garbage, resulting in these items sadly ending up in landfills. I encourage those with e-waste items gathering dust at home to make the most of our opportunity and responsibly dispose of their electronic waste.
With International E-waste Day just days away, it is clear that no specific plans have been revealed yet for ERA and Makro's E-Waste Campaign in 2024. If no campaign is organised, you can still participate in our upcoming Wise Owl Lifestyle E-Waste Campaign at a nearby location. Please offer your support. Unfortunately, we cannot provide vouchers, but we can guarantee the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of your e-waste.
Contribute to saving the planet by safely recycling unwanted electronic devices through collaboration with Wise Owl Lifestyle and PE Metals and E-waste Recyclers to address the issue of e-waste.
The Wise Owl Lifestyle E-waste Campaign starts at the Lorraine Gardens Shopping Centre. We will be in the car park opposite the Pick N Pay Family Gardens Centre Entrance.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please support us.
Our partners for our e-waste drop-off campaign
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E-waste items suitable for recycling include:
Cell phones and charges/Tablets/ Desk top computers/ Tablets/Laptops/Key boards/Monitors/ TV’s/ Modems/Routers/ Scanners/External hard drives/Printers/ Speakers/ Kettles/ Irons/Toasters/Electric razors/Electric tooth brushes/Hair dryers/ Gaming consoles/ Blenders/Radios/ Coffee machines/ Digital cameras/ Cables/Food processors/Hand held mixers/Electric grills/ Rice cookers/Water heaters/Vacuum cleaners/Microwave ovens/Sewing machines/Air fryers/ Leaf blowers/Dryers/Air conditioners/ Refrigerators/Freezers/Stoves/Dishwashers/ Washing machines/ Electric lawnmowers/ Compressors/Invertor welders/Boom boxers/
You Tube - How 6 million pounds of electronic waste gets recycled a month
Sources:
Wish we had something like this in EL. Everything of the best with your campaign. Hopefully it will be a success and filter to the rest of the country
Great initiative and a common problem around the world, this campaign needs to be supported - all the best for 9 November - it’s the right thing to do