Assessment of electronic waste (e-waste) management in Ethekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Abstract

The demand for advanced technology, coupled with the reduced product lifespan, and the recent work / schooling from home triggered by COVID-19 has contributed to the increase in the consumption of electronic products. Waste generated from electronic equipment may contain hazardous components such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, beryllium and many more, that may be released during the treatment, and disposal processes. The release of hazardous substances to the atmosphere, water or ground poses a risk to both the environment and human health. The objective of the research study was to evaluate management of electronic waste in eThekwini Municipality, starting from the storage, collection, transportation, recycling up to the disposal phase. It also assessed the role of informal recyclers, participant’s understanding of electronic waste hazards and compliance to the waste management statutory requirement at eThekwini Municipality, in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Participants in the research encompassed 350 households, industry, six recyclers (formal and informal), one landfill site and the eThekwini Cleansing and Solid Waste Department. Data was obtained from waste records, completed questionnaires, field observations and interviews. The study illuminated information regarding electronic waste generation rates, waste management practises and the underrated role of the informal waste collectors and recyclers. Results of the study suggested that information technology and telecommunication (ITC) waste was the highest waste stream, contributing 43% of the total e-waste; followed by entertainment equipment waste (28%). Waste from large equipment, lighting and small equipment collectively constituted 29% of total e-waste. The e-waste generation rate in the study area was estimated to be 6.77 kg per inhabitant per year, which is similar to other international cities in Brazil (7.1kg/inhabitant/year). The household participant’s understanding and knowledge of e-waste was relatively low, as only 33% of participants demonstrated some knowledge of e-waste. Interestingly, the businesses representing industry were more acquainted (69%) with e-waste hazards and statutory disposal requirements. v The research observed that compliance to waste regulations and standards was a challenge, especially at residential areas. Whilst current legislation prohibits disposal of some electronic appliances on landfill sites, the research exposed the prevailing non-compliance particularly in residential areas through disposal of hazardous waste (fluorescent lamps) with domestic, non-hazardous waste. eThekwini Municipality provides collection, treatment, disposal and recycling services for domestic, garden and some recyclable waste but excludes e-waste. Unlike most waste streams, electronic waste requires special pre-treatment prior to disposal as such manufactures and consumers need to work collectively for adequate management. Private waste companies provide e-waste collection services; however, affordability is a major factor particularly for the general public. eThekwini Municipality’s Cleansing and Solid Waste (DSW) representative acknowledged challenges with collection, recycling and disposal facilities as e-waste is currently not included in their scope of services. This has created opportunities for an informal recycling sector, which is very prevalent also in the city of Accra, Ghana. The researcher observed degradation of the environment associated with release of toxic emissions during the uncontrolled burning of waste and soil contamination from poorly managed informal facilities. Despite these observations, the contribution of the informal recycling sector is substantial. Waste pickers, and informal recyclers must be acknowledging and intergrated with the formal sector to further unleash the circular economy. It is recommended that eThekwini Municipality should sharpen focus on focus on education and awareness; provide adequate resources and develop its infrastructure to strengthen its vision, “The circular economy”.