eWaste and EPR: New Stats From Africa

The work of the waste management sector is notoriously difficult to quantify, making accurate e-waste statistics challenging to find. To resolve this problem, UNITAR, ITU, and Fondation Carmignac have joined forces to produce a thorough, internationally-recognised report called the Global eWaste Monitor. Today, the Monitor is a trusted source of truth for many waste industry stakeholders.?

The 2024 edition of the Global eWaste Monitor highlights the need for greater e-waste recycling efforts in Africa. It reveals the continent’s e-waste generation, collection, and recycling rates, and presents opportunities for the region grounded in EPR. Today, we explore some of these key findings.?

A Snapshot of eWaste in South Africa?

The statistics presented in the eWaste Monitor are based on information collected throughout 2022, during which South Africa generated 530000 tonnes of e-waste. That’s 8,8 kgs per capita – the fifth highest per-capita rate on the continent.

South Africa is the second-largest generator of e-waste in Africa after Egypt. Much of this waste comes from small appliances and portable electronics, including toasters, kettles, cell phones, laptops, and most notably, vapes.?

According to the Global eWaste Monitor, over 844 million vapes were sold worldwide in 2022 alone, with 130 tonnes of lithium built into their batteries. Unfortunately, many of these devices end up in landfills due to a lack of formal recycling systems to receive them.?

How South Africa Compares to the Rest of the Continent?

Despite the concerns over vaping, solar panels, and other emerging classes of e-waste in South Africa, we recycle electronics relatively well compared to the rest of the continent. In 2022, South Africa’s e-waste recycling rate hovered at 4,35% – over six times higher than that of Africa as a whole.

However, we also produce a lot more e-waste per capita, possibly due to South Africa’s position as one of the most industrialised, technologically advanced economies in Africa. With such a high per-capita e-waste generation rate, one could argue that our recycling rate is far from adequate. However, it’s important to note that the statistics above only account for formally collected e-waste.?

Like many developing nations, South Africa (and Africa in general) is home to a large community of informal waste pickers, reclaimers, and recyclers. These individuals drive much of the e-waste collection and processing that takes place outside of formal recycling systems. Bringing them into the formal economy can help us quantify their work for a more accurate representation of e-waste recycling on the continent.?

EPR as a Response to eWaste in Africa?

One way to enhance reporting and increase recycling rates in Africa is through extended producer responsibility (EPR). Many developed nations have seen great success with this model, bringing private investment into the waste sector and incentivising cleaner production and disposal across product supply chains.?

The South African government gazetted mandatory EPR legislation in May 2021. However, according to the Global eWaste Monitor, most of Africa has yet to do the same. Currently, only 9 out of Africa’s 54 nations use the EPR principle and only 11 countries have national policies on e-waste.?

Writing responsible e-waste management into law has the power to drive recycling in the region and stimulate circular economies. Inclusive EPR laws, such as those in South Africa, can also support and empower waste pickers, driving entrepreneurship and skills development.?

Secondary Sources of eWaste: Uncontrolled Imports?

EPR can be a viable way to deal with the e-waste a nation generates within its borders, but the true concern is e-waste from international sources. According to the Global eWaste Monitor, over 96% of all e-waste imports during 2019 were uncontrolled. That means e-waste is moving freely between ports and is largely not subject to strict trade regulations.?

Why is this a problem? Sadly, most countries that import e-waste do not have the infrastructure to process it in an environmentally sound way. e-Waste trafficking contravenes The Basel Convention and poses significant health and safety risks. This “dumping” puts strain on already encumbered landfill networks and gives rise to dangerous informal e-waste processing methods, such as burning electronics or dismantling them with crude tools.?

Final Takeaway: an e-Waste System Suitable for the African Context?

eWaste is not a new concern in Africa, however, it is a growing one. The African Development Bank predicts an average economic growth rate of 3.8% for 2024, outpacing the global average and cementing Africa as the second fastest-growing economic region in the world. An upturn in economic growth means increased standards of living and disposable income, which often translates to a greater dependence on consumer electronics.?

More electronics means more e-waste and African decision-makers should already be planning for sustainable disposal options. Africa finds itself in an interesting position as a globalised developing region, allowing us to draw from the experiences of nations that have already developed thriving e-waste management policies. With the right governance, we can learn from their mistakes and adapt our approach to suit the unique challenges and requirements of African economies.?

For more information about EPR or e-waste in Africa, please get in touch.

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