“Young people have a critical role to play in the waste management sector. Not only do they bring a different perspective to waste management, they have a heightened sense of awareness about environmental issues,” says Patricia Schröder, CEO of producer responsibility organisation, Circular Energy.

“While older generations have largely been focused on acquiring and owning goods, there is a significant trend amongst today’s youth to pursue a simpler way of life. Many of them see product as a service – they share products and resources, or use public transport instead of owning a car,” she adds. 

Schröder says this shift is necessary in a world that is fighting a monumental battle to contain its waste. “Now, more than ever, we need a new approach to waste management. We can no longer be a throw-away generation and forget about our waste. And this is where young people are leading the charge. They are the generation of change.”

As a producer responsibility organisation, Circular Energy is mandated to focus on small business development, as well as training and skills development initiatives, with particular emphasis on women, youth and people living with disabilities.  

“With this in mind, Circular Energy has assisted with funding for various training and skills development partners to develop and upskill these three demographics in the waste management space.”

Honing in on the youth, one of Circular Energy’s skills development initiatives involves partnering with organisations that conduct programmes aimed at teaching young people how to repair or refurbish appliances and electronic goods that have been returned by consumers – either because they no longer work or they have been replaced.

Schröder says the products are assessed by one of Circular Energy’s waste service partners and the viable products delivered to skills development partners, such as Taking Care of Business (TCB), where aspiring entrepreneurs are then taught how to repair them. 

“In the same workshops, they receive training on money management and how to run a small business, allowing them to start their own repair shops and service their local communities. This programme is aimed at helping unemployed people escape the poverty cycle via circular economy initiatives.”

These programmes usually run for 12 months, with Circular Energy facilitating the provision of waste stock and providing funding for about 10 young people to undergo skills development training every year. 

In addition, Circular Energy funds other organisations such as Circular Solar in collaboration with Reclite SA, a recovery, collection, transportation, recycling, treatment and beneficiation of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) organisation that provides training for young people on how to install solar PV systems properly and to required standards. 

Young people can also get involved in waste management by becoming collectors for Circular Energy. “This is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start a collection service to collect waste from various locations around the country and deliver it to a processing facility – one of our waste management partners – where it gets recycled or assessed for re-use,” adds Schröder.

She says there are also opportunities for young people to get involved on the treatment side of waste management. “They can either join an established company or, if they have a passion for waste treatment, start their own small businesses, although there may be limitations to what they can do.”

This is because waste treatment often requires that products are treated using various technologies. This is the highly technical side of waste management, which can only be conducted by people with some form of tertiary degree. 

Schröder says there is, however, space for entry level operators to conduct some form of the sorting and dismantling of products within a limited framework. “Dismantling a laptop, for example, requires a specific set of skills, which can be acquired through our partner organisations.”

Published for public comment on 19 June, the National Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) norms and standards outline standards for new or informal operators to comply with, providing them with the credibility required to be legitimate dismantlers of electrical and electronic goods. 

Schröder says this does not include highly hazardous or toxic products, which need to be dismantled by licensed facilities. “The WEEE norms and standards identify what products can be dismantled, allowing smaller operators to make a legitimate living out of the process. They also reduce the barriers to entry for smaller players in a heavily regulated sector.

“In addition to the money operators make from selling recovered parts, we (Circular Energy) will pay them for reporting their verifiable waste management statistics to us. This initiative is aimed at providing opportunities for young operators while ensuring they do contribute to reducing environmental damage or health risks within their communities.”

Circular Energy will also join hands with other producer responsibility organisations to develop in-house training material. “Instead of working in silos, PROs are collaborating to ensure standardised training material for the sector that is Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)-accredited.

“Whichever way you look at it, we need young people in waste management. We need their energy, the unique thinking and the values they bring to the sector. They will take us into a future without waste,” concludes Schröder.

Ends.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Darshan Rangai

0842554024

darshan@eclipsecomms.com

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

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As the global community faces mounting environmental challenges, the necessity to transition from a linear to circular economy has never been more critical. The severe stress on the planet due to resource requirements and overflowing landfills demand an immediate shift in how resources are being used for the manufacturing of products, their consumption and end of life management. 

Patricia Schröder, CEO of Circular Energy NPC, a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), emphasises, “We can no longer afford to take the planet’s resources for granted. To sustain it, we must adopt circular practices that extend the life of our products through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. This approach is essential to mitigate environmental degradation and ensure a sustainable future.”

Schröder underscores the need for businesses to evaluate their entire supply chain and meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. “This means companies must take responsibility not just for their products, but also for their environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. This includes sourcing materials responsibly, reducing waste during production and ensuring products are designed for longevity and recyclability. 

“Feedback from our South African Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and retailer members that have made these transitions, and are continually endeavouring to do more, highlights the importance and opportunity to rethink product design, manufacturing and business operations to align with circular principles. 

“Companies need to ensure their products are durable, easily recyclable, and that their manufacturing processes minimise waste. It’s about a holistic system where sustainability is at the core and integrated at every stage, from supplier to producer to the end consumer,” she adds.

The concept of EPR is a cornerstone in this transition, compelling producers to take full accountability for their products. By adopting EPR, businesses are encouraged to innovate, design more sustainable products and reduce waste, ultimately fostering a more sustainable economy and future. 

Key insights from Circular Energy’s members at its recent conference themed Enabling Circular Transition point to the necessity of leveraging emerging technologies, implementing robust policies and ingenuity to take a responsible role and drive the circular economy. 

Furthermore, digital solutions, such as secure payment solutions for waste pickers can enhance efficiency and safety, promote broader adoption of circular practices and contribute to job creation. 

Various OEMs have begun this journey, developing sustainable recycling solutions that give products a second life. Collaborative efforts between companies and organisations, such as Circular Energy’s partnership with Hirsch’s Homestores, illustrate the tangible steps that can be taken. Hirsch’s Homestores now offers a service that allows for old appliances to be dropped off at stores for responsible disposal or when they deliver a new appliance, they can assist with transporting unwanted appliances to the collection point at their stores.This is facilitated by Circular Energy’s take-back programme, which also assists consumers who require pick up of products which have reached their end of life.  

Other inspirational stories of resilience accentuate the impact of the circular economy solutions on people’s lives. Founder and MD of Sbumeister Plastic Recyclers, Sbusiso Shange’s journey from waste picker to successful entrepreneur highlights the economic and environmental benefits of circular practices. His business employs 80 staff and processes a significant amount of waste, demonstrating the viability of sustainable business models and the opportunities within the circular economy. 

Andile Dludla, Environmental Specialist at Mr Price Group, a member of Circular Energy NPC, says the group’s adoption of such practices include recycling of marketing materials, encouraging and working with suppliers to recycle off-cuts and waste, amongst other initiatives and collaborations. This has seen 13 000 kilograms of plastic diverted from landfills for use in the creation of tables, lampstands and baskets since 2023. 

“We are also working with Circular Energy to introduce some form of e-waste take-back collection for batteries which we will be piloting soon,” he adds, highlighting the potential action businesses can take to contribute towards circular sustainability. 

Schröder also remarked on the broader implications of resource depletion, stating global resources are stretched to their limit. 

“We can’t continue to exploit the planet’s resources at the current pace without facing dire consequences. Adopting a circular economy as society and business is essential to maximising resource use, preventing waste, and protecting the environment from further harm.”

Transitioning to a circular economy is not merely an option, but an urgent necessity requiring businesses to innovate continuously, engage in responsible sourcing and educate consumers about the importance of sustainability. 

“This transition requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. Through collective action and a commitment to sustainable practices, we can create a resilient future for our planet and generations to come,” concludes Schröder. 

Ends

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Darshan Rangai

0842554024

darshan@eclipsecomms.com

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post Transition to circular economy essential for sustainability appeared first on Circular Energy.

In a bid to champion Extended Producer Responsibility compliance and solar PV recycling practices, Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) Circular Energy NPC, has embarked on a strategic partnership with PV CYCLE, a distinguished European PRO renowned for its expertise in offering compliance and managing the end-of-life phase of photovoltaic (PV) Panels and the recovery of all its materials.

Amidst the escalating worldwide demand for solar PV systems, the imperative to manage the collection, the recycling and the financing of PV Panels responsibly has intensified. Considering this, Circular Energy and PV CYCLE are uniting their efforts to establish pioneering industry benchmarks for comprehensive solar PV recycling in South Africa. Their shared objective is to ensure the preservation of clean energy technologies while reducing their ecological footprint.

Patricia Schröder, CEO at Circular Energy, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with PV CYCLE aligns seamlessly with our commitment to advancing responsible solar PV recycling. By leveraging our combined expertise, we aspire to redefine the industry’s approach to sustainable energy management.”

Jan Clyncke, Managing Director at PV CYCLE, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Through our partnership with Circular Energy, we aim to drive the photovoltaic industry in South Africa to comply with the existing Producer Responsibility legislation and to offer cost efficient recycling. By synergising our capabilities and resources, we are strategically positioned to guide the South African PV Market towards a more circular economy.”

Central to this partnership is proactive engagement with a variety of stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, installers, policymakers and consumers. The objective is to create a level playing field for all companies placing PV Panels and Energy Storage Systems for the first time on South African territory within the context of the EPR Regulations of 2020. The collaboration will encompass a series of targeted initiatives, such as workshops, webinars and informative campaigns, all designed to facilitate the widespread adoption of these EPR obligations.

The cooperation between Circular Energy and PV CYCLE marks a significant leap towards a more sustainable and circular solar PV energy sector. By leading the way in responsible management of PV Panels and Energy Storage Systems, both entities are guiding all market players involved in extended producer responsibility to a cleaner and more environmentally conscious future.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Darshan Rangai

0842554024

darshan@eclipsecomms.com

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

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Circular Energy, a registered not-for-profit Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), has partnered with Hirsch’s Homestores, the largest independently owned appliance and electronics outlet in South Africa, to assist customers in ethically disposing of their end-of-use appliances. 

This partnership underscores the critical role Circular Energy plays in ensuring effective waste management and environmental stewardship.

As a PRO, Circular Energy is approved and registered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to operate a nationwide take-back system for the collection, recycling, and environmentally sound processing of a variety of products, including electrical and electronic equipment. By collaborating with Hirsch’s, Circular Energy expands its impact, ensuring that hazardous materials are handled safely and valuable resources are recovered for reuse in secondary markets.

“Once the appliance is collected from Hirsch’s, it is transported to the recycling hub where it is treated with state-of-the-art recycling technology. Here, the various components are separated and recovered as raw materials from the appliance,” says Patricia Schröder, CEO of Circular Energy.

These appliances are recycled using environmentally sound practices, where all materials recovered are tracked and traced. This results in every component or material from  various appliances being recovered and brought back to a raw material form where it can contribute to secondary resources. 

This advanced recycling process not only allows these components to be reused, but minimises resource wastage, reduces landfill waste, and mitigates the environmental impact of hazardous substances.

“In the case of refrigeration equipment and the outer casing – which often ends up in a landfill and is illegal to dispose of in this manner – the Polyurethane Insulation material (PUI) that acts as an insulator for temperature regulation on the interior of the refrigerator is safely separated,” explains Schröder.

PUI is an excellent oil adsorbent and is applied in an oil adsorbent process used in alternative energy generation for cement kiln firing (a cornerstone in cement production). Incidentally, a newly developed PUI foam that is fully recyclable was recently launched by BASF, a Circular Energy member. 

The metal recovered from the casing after the PUI that is  safely removed is also recycled in local smelters where new steel is made. By converting waste into valuable resources, this initiative supports the circular economy and drives innovation in recycling technologies.

“With regards to the refrigerant compressors on appliances, the oil is drained from the compressor, safely collected, and sent to used-oil recyclers. If there is still refrigerant gas left in the appliance, this is recovered and sent to a gas supplier that scrubs the gas to be cleaned for re-use,” adds Schröder.

This meticulous process ensures that harmful chemicals and other substances do not pollute the environment, enhancing the sustainability of waste management practices.

CEO of Hirsch’s, Richard Hirsch, explained that customers can now bring their old products to Hirsch’s branches around the country where well-signed designated areas have been set aside beside the dispatch departments for items to be collected for recycling. 

“Hirsch’s is excited to have partnered with Circular Energy to help keep the environment free from end-of-use items. When our clients come through to buy new products from us, they can rest assured that their old products will be recycled ethically, in an environmentally sound manner, thus avoiding the problem of landfills overflowing with harmful waste,” he said.

This partnership highlights the critical role that retailers and PROs play in ensuring effective waste management. By working together, they not only provide a convenient solution for consumers to dispose of their old appliances, but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment. Furthermore, this collaboration fosters community awareness and encourages responsible consumer behaviour, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Anyone unsure where to take their appliances, and household batteries for recycling can ask a store manager for advice on drop-off locations. Circular Energy also offers household collections, which can be requested through its website. Furthermore, Hirsch’s provides a service where, upon delivery of new appliances, they will take old appliances and dispose of them in the relevant drop-off locations for the customer. 

In an effort to promote the adoption of circular practices in various sectors, Circular Energy will also conduct a conference on 13 June 2024 themed “Enabling Circular Transition”.

Interested in attending the conference? Register here:

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Darshan Rangai

0842554024

darshan@eclipsecomms.com

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post Circular Energy NPC partners with Hirsch’s Homestores to promote responsible appliance disposal appeared first on Circular Energy.

“The planet is severely stressed, landfills are stressed and the world can no longer take a linear approach to resource production and consumption. As the world urgently pivots towards environmental sustainability, we as global citizens have to change our mind-sets and adopt circular practices, which involve reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing products for as long as possible,” says Patricia Schröder, CEO of producer responsibility organisation (PRO), Circular Energy.

Speaking ahead of the Circular Energy’s upcoming conference and AGM, themed “Enabling Circular Transition”, and to be held on 13 and 14 June respectively, Schröder says the event is poised to serve as a crucial platform aimed at promoting the adoption of circular practices in various South Africa sectors.

The event, which will take place in the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, will explore the current landscape, highlight innovative collaborations and discuss regulatory alignments by drawing on expert insights and promoting strategic networking and policy dialogue. 

Schröder says speakers have been invited from local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as BASF to share their success stories and provide conference attendees with actionable insights and strategies to help them navigate the complexities of adopting circular practices in their operations.

“The conference will also facilitate networking opportunities, allowing conference-goers to connect with industry leaders, innovators and peers who are shaping the future of sustainability in the country. They will be able to share their experiences, challenges and successes; as well as build meaningful relationships and collaborations,” she adds.

While many European countries have adopted circular economy practices, Schröder says South Africa is lagging behind in this respect. “Things are changing, but not fast enough. We need a mind-set shift in all spheres of society: individuals, companies, governments and countries. This was a major theme at the World Economic Forum held in Davos earlier this year. 

She says many South Africans can attest to the frustrating scenario of investing in a new electronic device, which then starts malfunctioning soon after the warranty expires. “Their frustration deepens when they take it to the manufacturer only to be told it cannot be fixed and that they should buy an updated version of the product. 

“This planned obsolescence is no longer tenable, and manufacturers are going to be compelled to adapt as regulations require a shift towards creating more durable and repairable items.

“In Europe, a Right-to-Repair Directive was approved on 23 April 23 2024. This legislation imposes new obligations on manufacturers across all industries with the aim of encouraging consumers to choose repair over replacement. This is something we want to encourage South Africa’s government to adopt too,” notes Schröder.

She says it has become urgent that waste – and specifically e-waste – is eliminated. “The planet has a limited supply of the critical raw materials that are used to create the products that have become indispensable to how we function as a society. That’s why recycling – in the form of urban mining – is so important. It allows us to recover these materials and reuse them in producing the products we can no longer live without.”

Interested in attending the conference? Register here:

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Darshan Rangai

0842554024

darshan@eclipsecomms.com

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post Circular Energy’s conference set to advance circular economy mind-set in SA appeared first on Circular Energy.

It’s a frustrating scenario most South African consumers are all too familiar with: You purchase an expensive new electrical item or electronic device, and shortly after the warranty expires, a small part breaks. But when you take it into the manufacturer, they simply shrug and state they are unable to replace the part, and that you should buy the newer updated version of the product.

“This keeps happening, and customers have every right to be furious about it,” explains Patricia Schröder, spokesperson for the producer responsibility organization (PRO) Circular Energy. “We want to encourage the government to follow in the footsteps of many other countries and start putting ‘right-to-repair’ legislation in place in South Africa.”

A right-to-repair law would require manufacturers to ensure “parts pairing” – the ability to replace parts of different devices. The European Union has already adopted such a law, and their consumers now have the right to repair common household appliances, including smartphones, even after the warranty period ends.

“In South Africa, where regulations regarding the repairability of electronic devices are virtually nonexistent, urgent action is needed,” she states. “As a result, consumers are left with legal options when their devices inevitably malfunction. This leads to a cycle of premature disposal and huge amounts of unnecessary waste.”

Built to Break: The Dangers of Planned Obsolescence

Consumers may be scratching their heads, wondering why it feels as if their electrical and electronic devices seem to be breaking more frequently and faster.. According to Schröder, this is no figment of our imaginations but rather a design strategy by manufacturers called “planned obsolescence.”

“You may, for instance, find yourself with a very expensive washing machine, of which a small electronic part – like a chip or printed circuit board – breaks a few months after the warranty has expired. The manufacturers then claim they can’t replace the part, resulting in the whole machine ending up as waste, partly or wholly in a landfill, with you as a consumer being burdened to buy a new product.”

She states that planned obsolescence is emblematic of the “mass consumerism” culture, but it is also simply not sustainable.

“The world is moving towards a circular economy, and local ‘right-to-repair’ legislation would make a massive difference in reducing South Africa’s e-waste problem.

The victims: The environment and our pockets

According to Schröder, Circular Energy wants to encourage  the government to adopt ‘right-to-repair’ legislation not only because it would benefit the environment but also because the current status quo affects the poor the most.

“A massive part of our population simply cannot afford to keep replacing electronic devices that are constantly breaking. They need devices like smartphones to be able to find work and to do their jobs. But if they have to regularly fork out large amounts to simply replace these devices, it cuts them out of the economy and opportunities,” she explains.

Schröder adds that in an open economy, people should have the right to look for different replacement options when their devices fail.

“Currently, South Africans have no choice but to ‘pay and throw away’. We need to stand together to get the right to repair signed into law. It would be an economic and environmental game-changer,” she concludes.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Idele Prinsloo , 082 573 9219, idele@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post SA needs ‘right-to-repair law’ to cut e-waste and grow economy appeared first on Circular Energy.

Despite increasing awareness about the proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste), including household batteries, many consumers are still unsure where to correctly and safely dispose of these items, which can accumulate quickly.

To address this issue, the Producer Responsibility Organisation, Circular Energy NPC and retailer Hirsch’s have joined forces to introduce dedicated household battery disposal containers at various Hirsch’s branches nationwide, beginning with the Ballito Branch, in Kwa-Zulu Natal, today February 7, 2024.

Patricia Schröder, CEO for Circular Energy, stated that information about the rollout schedule for other branches would be disseminated in due course. She emphasised, “The goal of this collaboration is to simplify the process of disposing household batteries, making it convenient and promoting environmentally friendly and legally compliant e-waste recycling.”

This initiative aligns with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, effective since May 2021. These regulations mandate that companies involved in manufacturing and/or importing, to sell electrical, electronic, lighting goods and batteries take responsibility for the proper recycling and responsible management of products post-consumer use.

Allan Hirsch, the founder of Hirsch’s, expressed that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating: “The responsible disposal and recycling of e-waste and battery waste is so important today. Not only do we need to keep the environment clean and healthy, but there are also employment opportunities with regards to recycling products that have previously ended up in landfills. Hirsch’s are delighted to have partnered with Circular Energy on this initiative.”

Accepted Household Portable Battery Types

Members of the public will be able to dispose of the following household battery types in the bins at Hirsch’s:

1. Alkaline batteries:
   • AA batteries used in:
     • Remote controls, flashlights, digital cameras, portable radios.
   • AAA batteries used in:
     • TV remote controls, small toys, handheld games.
   • C and D batteries used in:
     • Larger flashlights, portable stereos, some toys.
   • 9-volt batteries used in:
     • Smoke detectors, alarm clocks, some guitar pedals.
2. Sealed lithium batteries used in:
   • • Cameras, watches, remote controls.
3. Zinc-carbon batteries used in:
   • • Clocks, basic remote controls, some toys, flashlights.
4. Button cell batteries used in:
   • Watches, calculators, hearing aids, remote car keys.
5. Silver oxide batteries used in:
   • Watches, medical devices.

Battery Recycling Process

Schröder added that the disposed household batteries collected at Hirsch’s will undergo a meticulous recycling process that strictly adhere to environmentally friendly standards, minimising the impact on the ecosystem. “By responsibly managing the materials within the batteries, we can assure users that their commitment to proper disposal directly contributes to a healthier planet.”

Stay updated on the rollout at other stores by following Hirsch’s and Circular Energy on Facebook:

• Circular Energy: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547
• Hirsch’s: https://www.facebook.com/Hirschs.Homestore

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Idele Prinsloo , 082 573 9219, idele@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092424196547

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post Dispose of your used household batteries responsibly at Hirsch’s appeared first on Circular Energy.

Old appliances and other electrical items that will be replaced with Black Friday deals can pose a threat to the environment if they are not discarded properly. This warning is raised by the non-profit organisation Circular Energy.

According to Circular Energy, anything that depends on an electrical current to work or products with a plug, cable or battery can – and should – be recycled when it will no longer be used. These items contain hazardous materials that are extremely harmful to the environment when they end up in landfill or elsewhere. In addition, for every gram of recyclable materials not recovered from these items, tonnes of raw material have to be mined or manufactured, causing further environmental harm.

South African consumers are not yet in the habit of recycling their unwanted electrical and electronic items, as the country is a few years behind other countries with the implementation of the so-called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The EPR regulations in South Africa require manufacturers, importers and resellers of recoverable items and materials to fund legally compliant recycling schemes through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).

A recent campaign managed by a different PRO and a large retailer showed that South Africans are eager to be rewarded for their unwanted electronic items. Rewards of this nature are however not sustainable and does not create awareness of the severity of the harm improperly disposed electronic items can have on environmental health.

Entrepreneurial-minded individuals are also profiting from South Africans wanting to make a few Rands from their unwanted appliances; buying unwanted electronic items, stripping them for parts and then dumping them in general waste landfills. In most cases both parties are unaware of the environmental damage that is caused by the improper disposal of electronic items once they have been stripped for parts. Any of these businesses that buy electronic items to fix and resell are also usually unaware that this practice now subjects them to comply with the EPR regulations as a reseller, with non-compliance resulting in imprisonment or heavy fines.

With Black Friday specials – and a resulting increase in e-waste – looming, Circular Energy appeals to all South Africans to see their unwanted electronic items not as a source of potential income, but to recognise it as a potential threat to the health of their children’s children.

A free nationwide collection service of unwanted electric and electronic items is available through https://circular-energy.org/request-collection/ to all South Africans that want to play their part in saving the planet, whether it be on Black Friday or beyond.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux , 060 995 6277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post Save the planet on Black Friday appeared first on Circular Energy.

The global surge in technology adoption has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also led to a concerning rise in illegal e-waste dumping. This dangerous practice not only harms the environment but also poses health risks to communities.

The producer responsibility organisation (PRO) Circular Energy is taking a strong stance against this growing issue and is calling on government, industries, and consumers to collaborate in eradicating illegal e-waste dumping.

Consumer behavior crucial in the fight against illegal dumping

E-waste, consisting of discarded electronic devices, is a complex issue, exacerbated by the hazardous components within these items. Improper disposal techniques used in illegal e-waste dumping frequently have negative effects on the environment and human health.

Patricia Schröder, spokesperson for Circular Energy emphasises that Illegal e-waste dumping has far-reaching implications.  “It poses a threat to the health of communities that are already susceptible. It also contaminates soil, water, and air. To deal with this threat, fast action is required. For instance, government and businesses can work together to close regulatory gaps and impose severe fines on those responsible for illicit e-waste dumping. This will send a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.”

According to Schröder, consumer behavior also plays a pivotal role in combating the issue. “Our choices as consumers hold immense power. By disposing of our electrical and electronic products responsibly, we can create a shift towards responsible recycling and discourage illegal dumping.”

Proper disposal as easy as making one call or drop-off drive

To facilitate responsible disposal, Circular Energy has partnered with Woolworths to establish drop-off points across the country (a list of which can be viewed here), with containers for small portable batteries and household lamps.

“This initiative aims to make it easier for consumers to dispose of these items properly,” Schröder explains. “By utilising these drop-off points, consumers can contribute to responsible waste management and help prevent the escalation of illegal e-waste dumping.”

To make matters even easier, consumers can also request collection through Circular Energy’s website, ensuring that responsible disposal is within everyone’s reach.

“This service empowers consumers to be part of the solution without compromising convenience,” she explains. “For instance, we recently received a call from a concerned citizen, informing us of illegally dumped fluorescent tubes in a roadside rubbish bin in Gauteng. Our team responded swiftly to remove these tubes and recycled them in a responsible manner.”

She concludes by pointing out that Circular Energy’s comprehensive approach encompasses not only consumer education but also industry collaboration.

“We advocate for extended producer responsibility, urging manufacturers to take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products. By promoting responsible manufacturing, usage, and disposal, Circular Energy aims to close the loop on the e-waste issue.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 0609956277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

The post It’s time to tackle fake e-waste vendors appeared first on Circular Energy.

The global surge in technology adoption has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also led to a concerning rise in illegal e-waste dumping. This dangerous practice not only harms the environment but also poses health risks to communities.

The producer responsibility organisation (PRO) Circular Energy is taking a strong stance against this growing issue and is calling on government, industries, and consumers to collaborate in eradicating illegal e-waste dumping.

Consumer behavior crucial in the fight against illegal dumping

E-waste, consisting of discarded electronic devices, is a complex issue, exacerbated by the hazardous components within these items. Improper disposal techniques used in illegal e-waste dumping frequently have negative effects on the environment and human health.

Patricia Schröder, spokesperson for Circular Energy emphasises that Illegal e-waste dumping has far-reaching implications.  “It poses a threat to the health of communities that are already susceptible. It also contaminates soil, water, and air. To deal with this threat, fast action is required. For instance, government and businesses can work together to close regulatory gaps and impose severe fines on those responsible for illicit e-waste dumping. This will send a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.”

According to Schröder, consumer behavior also plays a pivotal role in combating the issue. “Our choices as consumers hold immense power. By disposing of our electrical and electronic products responsibly, we can create a shift towards responsible recycling and discourage illegal dumping.”

Proper disposal as easy as making one call or drop-off drive

To facilitate responsible disposal, Circular Energy has partnered with Woolworths to establish drop-off points across the country (a list of which can be viewed here), with containers for small portable batteries and household lamps.

“This initiative aims to make it easier for consumers to dispose of these items properly,” Schröder explains. “By utilising these drop-off points, consumers can contribute to responsible waste management and help prevent the escalation of illegal e-waste dumping.”

To make matters even easier, consumers can also request collection through Circular Energy’s website, ensuring that responsible disposal is within everyone’s reach.

“This service empowers consumers to be part of the solution without compromising convenience,” she explains. “For instance, we recently received a call from a concerned citizen, informing us of illegally dumped fluorescent tubes in a roadside rubbish bin in Gauteng. Our team responded swiftly to remove these tubes and recycled them in a responsible manner.”

She concludes by pointing out that Circular Energy’s comprehensive approach encompasses not only consumer education but also industry collaboration.

“We advocate for extended producer responsibility, urging manufacturers to take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products. By promoting responsible manufacturing, usage, and disposal, Circular Energy aims to close the loop on the e-waste issue.”

 

ENDS

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 0609956277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za

For more information on Circular Energy please visit:

Website: https://www.circular-energy.org/

LinkedIn: Circular Energy

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