South Africa Launches E-Waste Policy

The South African government has officially released its National Policy for the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), setting the foundation for a more sustainable and regulated e-waste system across the country.

Published under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA), the policy establishes a framework grounded in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It aims to address the country’s mounting e-waste challenge while aligning with circular economy and environmental protection goals.

📈 Why This Policy Matters

South Africa is generating growing volumes of electronic waste, yet safe disposal and recycling rates remain low. The new WEEE Policy responds to:

• Health risks from unsafe informal recycling practices
• Environmental damage from illegal e-waste dumping
• A growing need to treat e-waste as a resource rather than refuse

🎯 Vision and Strategic Goals

The policy envisions a sustainable, inclusive national e-waste management system with five key goals:

1. Create a financially viable WEEE collection and treatment model
2. Ensure environmental and human health protection
3. Support circular economy innovation
4. Promote skills development and awareness
5. Facilitate cross-sector collaboration

🧩 Key Policy Objectives

• Establish a level playing field for all stakeholders
• Integrate the informal recycling sector into formal systems
• Provide a clear investment framework
• Boost training, education, and compliance
• Strengthen resource mobilisation and infrastructure development

🏛️ Governance and Responsibilities

The newly formed WEEE Policy Steering Committee (WEEPSC) will oversee national implementation. Responsibilities are clearly defined across:

• Government departments (Environment, Trade, Health, etc.)
• Municipalities managing local collection systems
• Producers & PROs, who will fund logistics and processing
• Recyclers, retailers, and consumers, who must participate responsibly

💰 Financing and Action Plan

A dedicated financing mechanism underpins the policy. This will support:

• EPR compliance
• Informal sector inclusion
• Infrastructure and technology upgrades

The accompanying Implementation and Action Plan outlines specific milestones, budget allocations, and performance indicators, with monitoring and evaluation built in.

⚖️ Legal and International Alignment

The WEEE Policy supports:

• The constitutional right to a healthy environment
• Existing domestic laws (NEMWA, 2020 Waste Strategy, EPR Regulations)
• South Africa’s obligations under the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions

🔄 Anticipated Outcomes

• Full implementation of Norms and Standards for WEEE operators
• Continued enforcement of the ban on WEEE landfilling (in effect since 2021)
• Growth in reuse, refurbishment, and recovery businesses
• Job creation through circular economy initiatives
• Empowerment of the informal recycling sector through structured integration

Businesses, municipalities, and producers should begin aligning operations with the new policy and prepare for upcoming EPR-related obligations. The full policy document is available here: 🔗 Download the WEEE Policy (PDF)