Lumec is the Local Technical Coordinator for the iLembe e-waste project, which is part of the Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) programme’s South Africa project. The SRI programme is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and is being implemented by the World Resource Forum (WRF) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa).
Lumec is responsible for coordination of the iLembe project until mid-2025. This includes undertaking research (see the iLembe Landscape Report here), establishing an e-waste recycling partnership initiative (WEEE are iLembe), and coordinating a range of e-waste projects to support the industry. WEEE stands for ‘waste electronic and electrical equipment, and is also referred to as electronic waste or e-waste.
Specifically, WEEE are iLembe is being established to create a shared vision and broad buy-in amongst all stakeholders to allow for phased development of the iLembe e-waste industry. WEEE are iLembe will be a platform for engagement and base off which partnerships can be formed to drive collaborative projects and interventions. By broadening e-waste awareness and supporting policy harmonisation, the partnership aims to encourage the release and collection of increased volumes of WEEE to create new opportunities for SMMEs and increase recycling of WEEE in iLembe.
Since the start of 2023, Lumec has been busy formalising the establishment of the partnership. Currently underway is the development of a corporate identity for WEEE are iLembe which includes the brand, a website to act as a central repository of all things e-waste in iLembe, and social media pages.
The initial projects planned that will be facilitated as part of the partnership include:
- WEEE Research: A primary research study is currently undertaken to better understand household and business e-waste stockpiles and disposal practices.
- WEEE Awareness: An e-waste awareness campaign will be launched that will focus on sharing information about the proper management of e-waste, including the different types of e-waste, how and where to correctly dispose of e-waste, and who collects and recycles e-waste in the area.
- By-Law Harmonisation: Support local government to align their by-laws and Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) with national legislation, including the draft WEEE policy which is currently being developed under the SRI programme’s national component.
- Recycling facility support: Provide technical support to local municipalities who are in the process of setting up drop-off and/or buy-back centres, to assist integrating e-waste as a waste stream that is accepted as part of their offering.