Desco Electronic Recyclers director Giulio Airaga says consumers are often reluctant to travel long distances to recycle, which can lead to a significant barrier in proper e-waste disposal.

"To address this issue, the partnership with Makro places recycling bins in easily accessible retail locations, making it convenient for customers to drop off their electronic waste," adds Airaga.

"When recycling stations are integrated into places where people frequently shop, such as Makro stores, the task becomes less of an inconvenience. Even if a customer forgets to bring their e-waste on their first visit, the proximity of these bins ensures they can easily dispose of their items on subsequent trips," says Airaga.

This approach not only facilitates higher participation rates but also embeds recycling practices into regular routines, leading to better overall e-waste management, says Desco.

According to Desco, the presence of recycling bins at familiar retail outlets has a dual benefit; it serves as a constant reminder for customers to recycle their e-waste. This frequent exposure helps raise awareness about the importance of recycling electronic devices and can educate consumers about the potential environmental impact of improper disposal.

For many, seeing these bins in places they visit regularly helps to keep e-waste management at the forefront of their minds, increasing the likelihood of responsible disposal.

This ongoing visibility not only encourages regular recycling habits but also helps in spreading knowledge about e-waste issues, contributing to a more informed and proactive community, says the recyclers.

According to Desco, the Makro 'eWaste Bins', conveniently located at Makro stores nationwide, allow consumers to easily drop off items such as:

  • smartphones
  • laptops
  • batteries, and
  • other electronic devices.

Airaga says only a small portion of this e-waste is recycled properly, while the rest ends up in landfills, causing severe environmental damage and posing significant health risks due to hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium.

Electronic waste not only threatens environmental health but also leads to the loss of valuable raw materials.

According to the Global eWaste Monitor, e-waste contains significant amounts of precious metals like gold, silver and palladium. However, a staggering USD$57-billion worth of these materials are discarded each year because of inadequate recycling practices.

The Makro 'eWaste Bins' initiative aligns with global efforts to manage e-waste more effectively and sustainably. By recycling e-waste, valuable materials such as gold, silver and copper can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and the environmental impact of mining, says Desco.

Additionally, proper e-waste recycling helps prevent harmful substances from contaminating soil and water, protecting ecosystems and human health, adds the recyclers.

Airaga says beyond environmental benefits, the ERA 'eWaste Bins' initiative at Makro also supports job creation and economic growth.

"By partnering with local recycling facilities, Desco is helping to create employment opportunities in the recycling sector, contributing to the local economy and fostering community development," Airaga says.

Desco concludes that it is planning to roll out similar projects at various malls countrywide, and invites everyone to join the ongoing effort against e-waste. By participating in the ERA and Makro 'eWaste Bins' programme, consumers can play a vital role in protecting the environment and supporting sustainable practices.

For more information, visit www.desco.co.za. You can also follow Desco Electronic Recyclers on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor