Non-profit ERA makes e-waste recycling safe and easy

Electronic waste continues to be among the fastest-growing waste streams globally, expanding four times faster than municipal waste.

This rapid growth presents a significant challenge as electronics contain up to 200 different materials, some valuable and others hazardous.

The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a local non-profit organisation that simplifies e-waste recycling.

Through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, they create a bridge between consumers and producers by installing collection bins in retailers such as Makro and Pick n Pay, and at municipal offices.

They also work with buyback centres to ensure safe e-waste recycling.

Speaking to CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, CEO Ashley du Plooy says almost every electric item can be recycled, but it must be done safely and correctly.

“There may be trace elements of these toxic materials in these electric devices, but when they are concentrated and held in poor conditions like a landfill, these toxic materials can leech into the groundwater.”

With over 400 collection points, ERA is working toward establishing thousands more bins to make responsible e-waste disposal more accessible nationwide.

Larger items can also be accommodated.

“Pretty much [anything] from an electric toy, a vacuum cleaner, a drill, a microwave oven, a television, or even a cell phone can be recycled,” he says.

To listen to Du Plooy in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click below: