South Africa’s growing e-waste crisis is being tackled in the Eastern Cape through a new recycling initiative focused on environmental protection and community empowerment.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has officially launched an E-Waste Collection and Recycling Pilot Project in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality within the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape.
The initiative, launched by Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts in Mthatha on 20 May 2026, aims to strengthen waste management systems, reduce environmental risks and create local economic opportunities through responsible e-waste recycling.
Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is currently the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Discarded electronic devices often contain hazardous substances that can negatively affect human health and the environment if not properly managed.
South Africa generates more than 360,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, yet only a small portion is formally recycled.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister Swarts said effective environmental governance requires strong partnerships, skilled officials and long-term investment in implementation capacity.
“This initiative represents a practical and timely intervention to strengthen waste management, protect the environment, and unlock local economic opportunities within our province,” she said.
The pilot project forms part of government’s broader implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations aimed at increasing reuse, recycling and recovery of electronic waste while reducing landfill disposal.
The Eastern Cape rollout follows similar e-waste collection initiatives launched in Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng and the Northern Cape over the past year.
According to the Department, previous programmes in rural and peri-urban communities have already collected more than 86,000 kilograms of e-waste, while over R267,700 in incentives has been paid directly to participating communities.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between the DFFE, the Eastern Cape Department of Environment, the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and Producer Responsibility Organisations.
Community participation forms a key part of the initiative, with collection points, awareness campaigns and partnerships with local SMMEs aimed at encouraging responsible waste separation and recycling at household level.
Beyond environmental protection, the initiative is also expected to contribute to job creation, skills development and enterprise growth within the circular economy sector.
Government officials say the project supports the objectives of South Africa’s National Waste Management Strategy by reducing waste to landfill, increasing recycling rates and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The Department will monitor the programme through indicators including e-waste volumes collected, levels of community participation, SMME involvement and employment opportunities created.
Deputy Minister Swarts encouraged residents, businesses and community organisations to actively support the initiative.
“Through collective effort, we can reduce environmental risks, recover valuable resources, and create sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
