By Faridat Salifu
Gauteng Province produces over 55% of South Africa’s annual e-waste, amounting to about 360,000 tonnes, according to WasteAid’s Project Officer for Informal Sector Engagement, Angela Ludek.
Despite international efforts, the volume of e-waste transported to Asia and Africa for recycling continues to grow.
Globally, approximately 50 million tons of e-waste are generated each year, equivalent to dumping 432 laptops every minute.
The EPR Garbage Association of South Africa (eWASA) estimates that the average South African produces 6.2 kilograms of electronic waste annually.
Most of this waste ends up in landfills, releasing hazardous substances like lead, arsenic, and mercury into the environment. Only 12% is properly recycled. Limited structural resources in South Africa worsen the problem, leading to the burning of e-waste in communities and exposing residents to toxic emissions.
Informal repairers play a crucial role in South Africa’s reuse, repair, and recycling economy. They work with informal waste pickers to divert valuable resources from landfills toward reuse and recycling.
This ecosystem not only aids in e-waste recovery but also supports livelihoods, particularly in townships where repairing appliances is more economical than buying new ones.
Building on its experience in waste recovery, WasteAid has extended its program to e-waste with support from the Dixon Foundation, a UK charity promoting positive environmental change.
The initiative focuses on Diepsloot, a densely populated township in Gauteng, investing in repair micro-businesses to intercept e-waste and integrate it into repair models. This circular approach aims to sustain the use of products and materials, fostering a more sustainable future.
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The E-Waste Repair and Reuse Programme, developed by WasteAid, provided business incubation training, including practical applications in electrical circuitry and appliance repair.
The curriculum covered e-waste repair business operations, circular economy principles, and the global and local implications of e-waste.
Ten repairers participated in the program, held at the Wot-If? Trust e-Hub in Diepsloot. The training, delivered by specialized local trainers, focused on repairing small domestic appliances with practical sessions involving donated items like kettles, microwaves, and washing machines.
Some repaired items were returned to community organizations, while others were financially compensated by network members who donated the equipment.
Participants initially lacked access to specialized tools, which hindered their business growth. To address this, each repairer received essential tools to enhance their repair capabilities.
The program also emphasized the importance of building customer trust and maintaining proper repair standards and safety.
Post-training, repairers reported increased confidence and business knowledge, including financial management and digital marketing skills.
They now engage more effectively with community members, particularly wastepreneurs who collect e-waste components. This collaboration helps repairers acquire necessary parts at lower costs, fostering a local ecosystem for e-waste reuse.
David Chiporore, a repairer, noted, “I used to throw away common parts, now I can use them and get money.” The program emphasized the value of e-waste components, boosting repairers’ confidence and skills.
The E-Waste Repair and Reuse Programme demonstrated its scalability, with WasteAid exploring replication in other regions. Such initiatives are vital for enhancing e-waste recovery and fostering sustainable practices within local communities.
