South Africa launches E-waste pilot project paying US$0.24 per kilo as formal recycling rate stalls below 12%

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has launched an e-waste pilot in Mthatha, paying R4.50 (approximately US$0.24) per kilogram for old phones, computers, cables, and chargers.

The launch event took place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe, Mthatha, running from 08:00 to 15:30. 

Community members are encouraged to bring electronic waste, and the department requires participants to present their ID documents when selling e-waste. 

The department stated that together, the community can keep harmful electronic waste out of the environment while creating awareness about recycling and responsible waste management.

The E-Waste Time Bomb

Sandile Ndlovu, assistant researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures at the University of the Free State, stated that South Africa was sitting on an e-waste time bomb. 

In November 2025, Ndlovu cited data showing that just 7 to 12% of all electronic waste in the country was being processed through formal recycling channels. 

He described that as a very low recycling rate, given that South Africa is the second largest producer of e-waste on the African continent, behind Egypt. 

Ndlovu said awareness about e-waste recycling and the risks associated with improper recycling was lacking, noting that a recent study revealed that about 60% of Gen Z and millennials do not know what e-waste is, and 50% do not know the threat posed by e-waste to the environment and human health.

Why E-Waste Is Hazardous

Electronic waste contains valuable metals, gold, silver, copper, palladium, but also hazardous substances including lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When e-waste is dumped in landfills, these toxins leach into soil and groundwater. 

When it is burned in open air, toxic fumes are released. South Africa’s low formal recycling rate means that most e-waste ends up in landfills or is processed by informal recyclers who may lack protective equipment and proper facilities.

Pilot as Proof of Concept

The Mthatha pilot pays R4.50 per kilogram, a price that compares favourably with informal sector rates for mixed e-waste. 

For context, a typical laptop weighs 2-3 kilograms, yielding R9-R13.50 (approximately US$0.48-US$0.72). 

A desktop computer tower weighs 7-10 kilograms, yielding R31.50-R45 (approximately US$1.68-US$2.40). 

The ID requirement suggests the department intends to track participants and prevent fraud, possibly integrating with social grant databases to verify identities. 

The pilot will generate data on collection rates, participant demographics, and logistics costs to inform a potential national programme.

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