Turning e-waste into money | Fin24

For this reason, Sapics, a professional knowledge-based association that enables individuals and organisations to improve business performance, recognises the need to raise awareness of the potential that lies in reverse logistics related to e-waste, both for a positive impact on the bottom line and winning favour with communities who care that the producers of their favourite products are environmentally responsible.

However, according to the e-Waste Association of South Africa eWASA , global figures predict that the average person produces roughly 12kg of e-waste annually. Lead, mercury, chemicals and other materials found in e-waste, when dumped at landfill sites can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.

Recycling becoming a reliable money spinner for SA job seekers

Although toxic if handled and discarded improperly, e-waste is also extremely valuable as source for secondary raw material. At South African recycling facilities, electrical products are dismantled so that their various component materials, such as precious metals including gold, indium and palladium, ferrous metals and plastics may be reclaimed.

According to eWASA, some ferrous metals can be used as secondary raw materials in various manufacturing processes. There have been some incidences of e-waste being shipped outside of South Africa for disposal, although this is not believed to be a common practice. Consider yourself a savings hero?

Or just have something on your mind? Add your voice to our Savings Issue: Training and education are vital for moving towards a green economy, says Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. Group of Seven finance officials have agreed to redouble efforts to deal with failing banks and gave a green light to Japan's drive to galvanise its economy.

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