Track: Waste

Abstract

The management of e-waste by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in Gauteng Province was investigated by exploring their involvement in the management of the end-of-life electronics through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) take back schemes. The study also investigated the general e-waste management situation in South Africa by establishing and assessing the underlying aspects of EPR in e-waste management in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Literature and applied information on e-waste and EPR were used, and special focus was paid on end-of-life computers. Despite the challenges in e-waste management, stakeholders strive towards holistic sustainable e-waste management. Policy directions based on the gaps identified in the current e-waste management strategy were recommended. It is recommended that e-waste management policies and regulations guided by the EPR principles as highlighted in the waste management legislation be implemented. In addition, knowledge transfers from developed (with working EPR schemes) to developing nations is recommended. EPR has been identified as an effective tool in the management of e-waste. The research outcomes will be instrumental in the identification of enhancement options for the implementation of the EPR principle.

Keywords
Extended Producer Responsibility, E- waste Management, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Sustainability.