New project to remove electronic waste

UCT will this week launch a project to remove its redundant electronic equipment (e-waste). The project will be launched on the Jameson Plaza on 9 April and will be phased in over the coming months.

The UCT e-Waste Project, a collaboration between the Properties & Services Department and Information Communication Technology Services (ICTS), aims to reduce the risks associated with the hazardous materials that sometimes form part of electronic components.

The project also aims to free up much needed space, reduce the environmental impact of electronic equipment disposal, and reduce the use of raw materials by recycling and re-use.

The project springs from the Green Campus Action Plan, developed by the Properties & Services Department, explains Brett Roden, environmental risk officer for Safety, Health and Environment. UCT is a member of the e-Waste Association of South Africa (e-WASA), and for this project has joined forces with another e-WASA member, Recover e-Alliance, a Cape Town-based non profit organisation comprised of a number of industry partners that strive for job creation and environmental integrity.

Roden said the aim is to identify an e-waste champion in each building or department who, in collaboration with their head of department or building supervisor, will organise the collection and short-term storage of all the e-waste in their jurisdiction. They can then liaise with Roden who will organise the removal of the e-waste.

Read more about the e-waste project.

Also view this educational video about e-waste in South Africa.