THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) announced a significant step forward in its commitment to effective waste management. The municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) to manage the collection and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) at all the municipality’s landfill sites.
This MOU was approved for implementation at a metro council meeting on 3 September 2024.
E-waste includes discarded electronic appliances such as mobile phones, computers, and televisions. eWASA, a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), will oversee the collection of e-waste from companies and community-based waste collectors for recycling purposes.
The implementation of this MOU will formalise e-waste management into an organised and profitable sector, creating job opportunities and extending the lifespan of our landfill sites, the municipality said. E-waste is a significant contributor to the reduction of landfill site lifespans due to the volume of waste it generates.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health, councillor Thsonono Buyeye, said: “The signing and implementation of this memorandum marks the beginning of a ground-breaking, comprehensive, and sustainable waste management programme. We are working towards creating a sustainable waste management economy that will develop Emerging Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and create jobs. In the medium to long term, we aim to eliminate the concept of waste in Nelson Mandela Bay.”
The municipality urges residents to responsibly dispose of their e-waste.