Abstract
Electronic products are the core of technological innovation and are at the forefront of modern consumer culture. However, the consistent increase in electronic waste (e-waste) production threatens environmental quality and public health when they reach the end of their useful life. Previous studies have primarily addressed solid waste management and often overlooked the unique challenges associated with e-waste management. There is also limited literature about e-waste management at the municipal level, particularly in South Africa. This study examines how e-waste is managed in the selected North West District Municipalities in South Africa. The data were collected using a qualitative approach because it was suitable for achieving the research aim and objectives. A qualitative study design was used for an in-depth exploration of e-waste management practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants from the IT and Procurement/Supply chain because of the technical skills, knowledge, and experience they possess to promote sustainable e-waste management practices.
The study unveiled e-wastes from devices such as computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, printers, and scanners. There is a lack of repairs, hardware upgrades, refurbishment, and recycling of obsolete electronic equipment, particularly computers and laptops, in the respective municipalities. This shortcoming is primarily due to a lack of technical competency. Moreover, the life cycle assessment of these devices is not adequately managed, and environmental considerations are often overlooked during procurement. Recycling is not prioritized at the outset, and there are unsafe disposal practices, such as stockpiling and landfilling, thus increasing their e-waste management problems. There are no adequate take-back programs, policies, and systems for replacing and disposing of wastes from electronic equipment, which are critical in mitigating the environmental impact caused by e-waste.
Municipalities should consider the factors that influence the procurement of electronic equipment because they significantly contribute to reducing e-waste generation. They should increase the replacement of electronic equipment, repair, upgrade hardware, and maintain and recycle computers and laptops. Furthermore, they should determine the disposal of obsolete electronic equipment to prevent it from ending up in landfills. Finally, they should develop policies and systems to reduce the environmental impacts caused by waste. The research concludes that
sustainable e-waste methods can prevent harm to the environment. It is, therefore, important for municipalities to adopt sustainable e-waste practices to avoid environmental damage.