Limpopo Launches Pilot Project to Recycle E-Waste and Pay Residents for Items

To make the experience more engaging, a “spin-the-wheel” competition has been added, offering participants a chance to win an extra voucher ranging from R0 to R100.

The government has officially launched an innovative initiative in Limpopo that not only aims to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) but also offers residents a financial incentive to properly dispose of their old electronic devices. The E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project was unveiled on Wednesday by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, in the Thulamela Local Municipality.

This groundbreaking initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District Municipality, various industry stakeholders, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). It is part of a broader national strategy to reduce landfill waste, encourage recycling, and shift towards a more sustainable circular economy.

Why E-Waste Matters

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally, and South Africa is no exception. The country generates over 360,000 tons of e-waste each year, yet only 10% of this is currently being properly collected and recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or is illegally dumped, where it leaches harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating soil, groundwater, and even food sources.

“Our waste laws prohibit the disposal of e-waste in landfills,” Deputy Minister Swarts emphasized during the launch. “This is to ensure that electronic waste is diverted to recycling channels where it can be handled in a way that protects our health and environment.”

She noted that improper disposal of electronic items, which often contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, poses a serious threat to communities and ecosystems alike.

How the Project Works

Residents in Thulamela Local Municipality can now bring their old or broken electronic devices—such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, printers, and other e-waste—to designated collection facilities set up by participating PROs.

Upon arrival, the e-waste will be weighed, and the details of the resident will be recorded. In return, participants will be paid a monetary incentive based on the weight and type of the electronic items they bring. The current rate starts at R1.00 per kilogram, though this varies depending on the item.

Payments will be made via secure mobile platforms such as EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) or MTN MoMo (Mobile Money), making the process efficient and accessible, even for residents in remote areas.

In addition to the monetary incentive, participants will receive a participation voucher valued between R30 and R50, depending on the number of items dropped off. These vouchers can be redeemed at Shoprite or Checkers stores.

To make the experience more engaging, a “spin-the-wheel” competition has been added, offering participants a chance to win an extra voucher ranging from R0 to R100.

Boosting Local Economy and Community Involvement

One of the unique features of the pilot project is its collaboration with local collectors and community members. The PROs will work closely with e-waste collectors in Limpopo and specifically in the Vhembe District to facilitate collections, especially for large or bulky electronic items.

For communities located near the event venues, arrangements can be made to have larger items picked up directly. After the event, residents can continue to make collection requests through local waste collectors trained and integrated into the system.

“This initiative is not just about recycling—it’s about creating local green jobs, empowering communities, and changing how we think about waste,” said Swarts.

The DFFE has also provided dedicated wheelie bins for the separate collection of e-waste. These bins help residents properly separate their waste at the household level, ensuring electronic items are not mixed with general refuse, which can complicate recycling efforts.

A National Vision for E-Waste Management

The pilot project aligns with South Africa’s National Waste Management Strategy 2020, which emphasizes waste reduction, increased recycling rates, and the promotion of a circular economy. The strategy aims to divert valuable waste from landfills while supporting green economic growth.

In November 2021, the government introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for the electrical and electronic equipment sector. Under this framework, producers are legally required to take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of their products once they reach end-of-life.

“The EPR model ensures that the very industries generating the waste are also part of the solution,” Swarts said. “It fosters accountability, innovation in product design, and a more sustainable way of doing business.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in Thulamela will be closely monitored in the coming months. Key performance indicators include the volume of e-waste collected, community participation levels, effectiveness of public education campaigns, and the number of green jobs created.

“If this pilot proves successful, it will serve as a model for replication in other municipalities across Limpopo and eventually nationwide,” Swarts concluded.

The government’s forward-thinking approach, with support from industry and local communities, signals a significant step forward in tackling South Africa’s e-waste crisis—turning an environmental challenge into an economic and social opportunity.

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What Residents Can Recycle Through the Pilot Project:

• Mobile phones and tablets

• Computers and laptops

• Printers and fax machines

• TVs and monitors

• Cables and chargers

• Small household appliances (e.g. kettles, toasters)

• Radios and speakers

Where to Drop Off E-Waste:

• Designated collection points in Thulamela Local Municipality

• Mobile units at community centres and event venues

• Local collectors (for large item pickups – by arrangement)

Incentives at a Glance:

• R1.00+/kg depending on item type

• R30–R50 voucher per drop-off

• Bonus “spin-the-wheel” vouchers (R0–R100)

• Payments via EFT and MTN MoMo

This pilot is an invitation to Limpopo residents to actively participate in shaping a greener, cleaner future—starting with the safe disposal of yesterday’s gadgets.