Electronic waste should never be put in with your normal rubbish. It might pose a fire hazard and catch alight; certain components might be toxic to humans and the environment; it could be reused; or valuable parts should be recycled.
The following serves as a brief guide to E-waste recycle, repair and reuse.
Newer, more appealing technologies are coming out every year, and sometimes electronic goods are only thrown away to make way for new ones – but have not yet reached the end of their lifespan.
In these cases, the device could go on to benefit groups who might otherwise not have access, in turn, reducing waste output.
So before you throw it away, consider: Is it really broken? And where can I take this electronic item to possibly be reused?
Sometimes there is a lack of motivation or knowledge to fix an electronic item when it breaks, resulting in it being discarded. A simple repair job could extend the lifespan of discarded electronic waste.
If the E-waste device cannot be fixed, there are often certain components that can be reused.
So before you throw it away, consider: Can it be fixed? And if I do not want to fix it myself, where can I take it for someone else to do the fix?
Recycling E-waste ensures that valuable and often scarce materials are recovered – such as plastic, metal, glass – and hazardous substances – like mercury – are handled with the appropriate care.
E-waste recycling might include the following pre-processing and end-processing steps:
Electronic waste should never be put in with your normal rubbish. Find out where to drop your E-waste off by clicking the button below.
The good news is, many electronic devices can be recycled – and for your ease of reference, we have included a list of examples by clicking the button below,
If you have a question or would like any further information, message us now!
ERA E-waste Recycling Authority (ERA) is a registered Non-profit Company (NPC) • CIPC Registration Number – 2018/248881/08 • ERA NPC is registered as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) in terms of Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) N0. 59/2008 • DFFE PRO Registration Number 19/7/6/E/PRO/202106009/002
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