That drawer of old phones, cables and a laptop that no longer boots is more complicated than it looks. Electronic waste — e-waste — contains both genuinely valuable recoverable materials and substances that shouldn't end up in general landfill.
What's actually inside e-waste
- Recoverable metals — copper, aluminium, and small amounts of precious metals in circuit boards
- Hazardous substances — lead, mercury and other materials in older screens, batteries and components
- Plastics — some recyclable, some not, depending on the type and any flame-retardant treatments used
Why it's regulated
E-waste is classified as a priority waste stream under South Africa's National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA), with Extended Producer Responsibility rules requiring trackable, documented disposal. That's a formal way of saying: e-waste isn't supposed to just go in the bin, and there's a legal expectation of proper handling.
What proper disposal looks like
Responsible e-waste handling separates recoverable materials for recycling and ensures hazardous components are contained rather than left to leach into soil or water at a general landfill site. If your business is decommissioning IT equipment or other electronics in volume, documented disposal — including a Certificate of Destruction where appropriate — gives you a clear compliance record.
If you've got old electronics mixed in with a general clear-out or office move, flag it when you book so we can advise on the right handling rather than treating it as standard rubble.