The Importance of Responsible CO2 Management in E-Waste: A South African Perspective

February 2025

In a country where load-shedding has become part of our daily vocabulary and environmental challenges continue to mount, South African businesses and individuals face unique responsibilities when it comes to electronic waste. As our reliance on technology grows, so does our obligation to manage the carbon footprint associated with our digital lives.

E-Waste: A Growing Challenge in Mzansi

South Africa generates approximately 415,000 tonnes of e-waste annually – about 7.1 kg per person – and this figure is growing at a rate of 4% per year. Despite our national commitment to environmental protection, less than 10% of this waste is formally recycled according to recent assessments.

The rest often finds its way to landfills across our provinces, from the crowded facilities near Johannesburg and Pretoria to coastal waste sites in Cape Town and Durban. A significant portion ends up in informal recycling operations where unsafe practices not only pose health risks to workers but release harmful emissions into our atmosphere.

Understanding the Carbon Impact of Our Devices

Every electronic device we use carries a carbon footprint that extends well beyond its operational electricity consumption. The journey begins with raw material extraction – often from mines right here in South Africa – and continues through manufacturing, transportation, usage, and eventual disposal.

Consider a typical smartphone:

Mining the precious metals creates approximately 30-50kg of CO2
Manufacturing adds another 40-80kg of carbon emissions
Transportation to South Africa contributes 5-10kg more depending on shipping method
Charging over its lifetime generates approximately 8-10kg CO2 per year when using South Africa’s coal-heavy electricity grid
Improper disposal can release methane and other greenhouse gases

For South African businesses managing hundreds or thousands of devices, this carbon footprint quickly becomes significant – especially when considering our country’s already high per-capita carbon emissions compared to other African nations.

Why Proper E-Waste Management Matters for South Africa

1. Supporting National Climate Commitments

South Africa has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030 under our updated Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement. Proper e-waste management directly contributes to these goals by:

Reducing methane emissions from landfills
Decreasing energy demands for new product manufacturing
Enabling resource recovery that prevents carbon-intensive mining operations

2. Addressing Unique Local Challenges

Our country faces specific challenges that make responsible e-waste management particularly important:

Frequent load-shedding affecting consistent recycling operations
Limited formal collection infrastructure in rural areas
A growing informal sector without proper safety measures
Lack of awareness about e-waste hazards among the general population

3. Creating Economic Opportunities

The e-waste sector represents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic development in South Africa. The formal recycling sector could create up to 10,000 jobs, with recoverable materials valued at approximately R15 billion annually. Proper management can:

Create sustainable employment in collection, processing, and refurbishment
Support skills development in the green economy
Generate value from recovered materials
Promote innovation in local recycling technologies

Best Practices for South African Organisations

Implement a Comprehensive E-Waste Policy

Develop a formal policy that addresses:

Device procurement with lifecycle considerations
Proper usage and maintenance to extend lifespans
POPIA-compliant data sanitisation procedures
Partnerships with certified e-waste recyclers

Work with Accredited Local Providers

Partner with recycling companies that:

Are registered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Comply with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA)
Adhere to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations of 2021
Provide transparent documentation of their processes
Demonstrate commitment to worker safety and environmental protection

Educate Your Team

Raise awareness among your employees about:

The importance of proper e-waste disposal
The connection between electronic devices and carbon emissions
Company procedures for equipment decommissioning
The environmental impact of their digital choices

Measure and Report

Track your organisation’s progress by:

- Documenting the quantity of e-waste properly processed
- Calculating carbon emissions avoided through recycling
- Reporting these metrics in sustainability communications

Setting improvement targets that align with national goals

The Path Forward

As South Africans, we have a unique opportunity to address both our growing e-waste challenge and our carbon reduction goals simultaneously. By implementing responsible e-waste management practices, businesses and individuals can contribute to national environmental objectives while protecting sensitive data and recovering valuable resources.

The journey toward sustainable e-waste management requires collaboration between government, industry, and individuals. With key regulatory frameworks like the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) and monitoring by the South African Waste Information Centre (SAWIC), we have the foundation for progress. By working together, we can build a more environmentally conscious approach to our digital lives – one that reflects our shared commitment to protecting South Africa’s natural beauty for generations to come.

This blog was prepared by RADtech, a leading provider of POPIA-compliant IT asset disposition services in South Africa. For more information on how we can help your organisation manage e-waste responsibly, contact us at info@rad-tech.co.za or 010 500 1627