4.9(1)
eWaste refers to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This waste stream is relatively new, rapidly growing, and in some cases highly hazardous due to heavy metals content. There are currently no reliable statistics for the amount of eWaste generated or recycled. With the increase of consumerism and the rise of the information age, eWaste will continue growing exponentially, and rapidly become a major waste challenge. WEEE can contain over one thousand different substances, many of which are toxic and some that have a high market value when extracted. There are seven recognized sub types of eWaste as per the Waste Classification System. Lighting equipment is one of these seven types and will be considered as a separate waste stream due to the specific mercury content issue and related IndWMP being prepared specifically for this waste stream. The other six sub types should be considered individually within the eWaste stream and where appropriate individual measures for each sub type may be required.
4.9(2)
In terms of implementing the waste hierarchy, the main challenge lies in separating this waste from general waste to facilitate safe and economically sustainable recycling of this waste stream.
4.9(3)
Informal recycling of eWaste is relatively prevalent, but often done without safety equipment, resulting in potential harm to health, and contamination of the recycling site, as well as the release of noxious fumes through the burning of plastic to access the valuable metals inside the equipment. Formal recycling is typically a partially mechanized process which separates materials, whilst WEEE is often dismantled by hand and then separated before shredding. Some mechanized processes do not necessarily allow for re-use or refurbishment, as the whole object is put through a shredder, and the shredded output is then mechanically separated using water, air or magnetism. The separated shredded plastics and metals are then sent for reprocessing as recyclates.
4.9(4)
In July 2008, the eWaste Association of South Africa (EWASA), a section 21 company, was established to set up an environmentally sound eWaste management system, utilizing various programmes and networks. Membership of EWASA is R2000 per year for recyclers.
4.9(5)
The two major emerging initiatives are voluntary take-back facilities at retailers which in turn increases recyclate availability, and a recycling fee on imported goods which may result in eWaste. This levy will be managed and regulated via industry. At present some retailers are agreeing to voluntary take-back facilities. Such facilities at electrical and electronic goods retailers should be mandatory and subject to an IndWMP for the eWaste industry.
4.9(6)
EWASA will form a section 21 company to manage a 10% recycling fee charged on all imported goods which will result in eWaste. At present it is a voluntary fee and requires the manufacturer to declare imports to EWASA, who will then compare the data with customs to ensure the correct amount is paid. Whilst several large electrical and electronic brands have agreed to this voluntary scheme, it should be formalized in terms of an IndWMP, and be made universally applicable through mandatory measures, to ensure that there are no free-riders within the industry.
4.9(7)
The use of take-back facilities is at present voluntary, meaning some eWaste still goes to landfill or the informal recycling process. DEA will make it a legal requirement for consumers to utilize these take-back facilities through regulations requiring producers and importers of WEEE to develop IndWMPs or to register with approved plans.
4.9(8)
DEA will develop standards for the storage, treatment and disposal of electronic waste as part of the process to develop norms standards in terms of section 7(1)(c) of the Waste Act.
4.9(9)
Further research must be undertaken by industry regarding the appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of the informal recyclers currently handling eWaste while seeking to protect their livelihoods. At present EWASA membership is likely to be too expensive for most informal recyclers, and therefore ways of redressing disincentives such as this and the limited accessibility of EWASA schemes (such as the online booking system which facilitates recyclers ‘booking’ the retailers that they wish to collect waste goods from) should be developed by industry.
4.9(10)
The SAWIS categories have been expanded to include 7 categories for reporting on e-waste.
4.9(11)
The measures set out in this section are to be contained within an IndWMP, produced by industry. The IndWMP will provide for mandatory take-back facilities at retailers, the process of formalizing the informal recycling practices, and the reporting requirements to the SAWIS.