Cape Town - Newly designed e-waste bins will not only see a reduction in electronic waste pollution, but will also help create meaningful employment for people with disabilities nationwide.
In partnership with EWaste Africa and the E-Waste Recycling Authority, Pick n Pay has already installed 33 new e-waste bins in stores, with plans to add 90 more by the end of the year and complete the rollout by mid-2025.
Born 15 years ago from the idea of recycling light bulbs and batteries, the newly designed bins are capable of holding items ranging from cables, kettles, mobile phones and large appliances like washing machines and are expected to collect 1 000 tons of e-waste annually – equivalent to the weight of a large cargo ship.
EWaste Africa will act as the courier to deliver the e-waste to legally licensed recycling facilities, where it is depolluted.
This results in clean, processed materials which are then repurposed into new products.
Waste is also sent to E-Waste Recycling Authority-affiliated service providers, where valuable materials are extracted from items that cannot be repaired.
The roll-out of the bigger e-waste bins at selected Pick n Pay stores across Cape Town was welcomed with open arms by National Economic Empowerment for the Disabled (Need), one of the chain store’s many beneficiaries, on Tuesday.
To date, 65 individuals have participated in the initiative, which largely empowers people with disabilities by training them to dismantle, repair, and refurbish e-waste.
Steffen Burrows, the sustainability manager at Pick n Pay, described the initiative as a small action with a big impact.
“Together, we’re reducing environmental impact, bolstering local recycling infrastructure, and supporting job creation for people with disabilities.”
Need participant James Soganga, from Nyanga, said the initiative gave him new hope.
The 52-year-old became paralysed from the waist down after a group of men tried to hijack him 25 years ago.
Soganga dodged the bullet aimed at his head, but it hit his shoulder, damaging his nerves.
He said he couldn’t get a proper job since then, until he got in contact with Need.
“They taught me a skill, something I never ever had. I can now fix microwaves, kettles, irons, you name it, and now I can also use this skill and help out with the Pick n Pay initiative.
“This makes us feel included, and it gives us that sense of belonging again.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity, it also helps us make extra money, which is often needed for our medical costs. This is a blessing.”