Dell Technologies South Africa continues to blaze a trail for sustainability and endorse its commitment to managing e-waste responsibly. In partnership with local non-profit organisation ERA and Attacq, a strategic development partner in Waterfall City, the tech giant has placed a new e-waste recycling bin in the world-class mixed-use precinct in, Johannesburg.
ERA (E-Waste Recycling Authority) supports e-waste management, infrastructure and networks in South Africa. While Waterfall City is a safe, smart city renowned for its innovation, security and world-class infrastructure thus being recognised as the world’s best mixed-use development for five years.
The collaboration underscores all three parties’ commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it easier for Waterfall City’s residents, businesses and shoppers to responsibly dispose of their electronic waste.
“Sustainability is at the core of Attacq’s strategy, and part of this is waste management and reduction. We’ve done this by designing buildings with waste separation and waste management areas and we’re pleased to partner with Dell Technologies and ERA to address the unique challenge of electronic waste through this recycling bin”, says Mischa Tessendorf, Sustainability Project Manager at Attacq. “This initiative is part of our purpose-driven approach to ensuring positive impact in our communities and the environment.”
The recycling bin, designed to accommodate everything from household appliances to smaller electronic items, is a significant step towards a greener future for the community. It is fully in line with Waterfall City’s ongoing sustainability efforts
As the global use of electronics accelerates – according to the World Economic Forum, there are now more cellphones than people in the world – e-waste remains one of the most difficult types of waste to recycle, posing risks to both human health and the environment. In 2022, 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated worldwide, yet recycling rates remain exceptionally low, with less than 1% of e-waste recycled in Africa.
“We are proud to introduce our first bin placement in Waterfall City,” says Ashley du Plooy, CEO of ERA. “High-traffic areas like retail, estates and commercial buildings improve visibility and accessibility, leading to better recycling uptake. ERA’s goal is to engage more South Africans in recycling their e-waste to support a sustainable future.”
The top loader recycling unit features easy-to-access compartments for different sized waste items. It is placed in the car park at Waterfall Corner Shopping Centre in Waterfall City. It is designed to accommodate larger appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines as well as common household e-waste items like irons, printers and TVs.
Dell Technologies has a strong focus on addressing climate change and minimising environmental impact with ambitious net zero goals and innovative, sustainable technologies and solutions. Dell Technologies addresses the full lifecycle – from increasing the use of recycled materials and minerals in products to making devices easier to repair and responsibly recycle.
“Technology has an important role in addressing environmental challenges. The IT industry is heavily dependent on finite raw materials – and discarded electronic items, in which valuable metals and minerals reside, are also important suppliers of these raw materials,” says Doug Woolley, General Manager and Vice President of Dell Technologies South Africa. “It’s especially great to be making an impact so close to our head office.”
“Our vision is to establish Waterfall City as a benchmark for sustainable development in South Africa. We’re achieving this through various sustainability and smart building initiatives and are proud to add the e-waste recycling bin to this portfolio of sustainable solutions”, says Phillip de Vos, Waterfall City Precinct Manager at Attacq.
These recycling infrastructure efforts align with Dell Technologies’ commitment to sustainability and ERA’s mission to drive up recycling rates in South Africa. As a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), ERA focuses on improving waste management for electronic waste, lighting and batteries – collectively known as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Lighting (WEEEL). Proper management of WEEEL is essential due to the presence of toxic materials that pose environmental risks, as well as valuable components that can be recovered and recycled, delivering tangible benefits to the environment.