Can I put old electronics in my normal rubbish bin?

It is best not to. National norms and standards restrict e-waste going to landfill, and items such as batteries and CRT screens are hazardous. Use a recycler or a dedicated drop-off point instead.

What paperwork should I get after disposal?

Ask for a certificate of recycling or safe disposal listing what was collected. If devices held data, ask for a certificate of data destruction as well.

Electronic Waste Disposal in South Africa

Old monitors, printers and electronics stacked on pallets for safe disposal

Electronic waste disposal has to be done properly. Old electronics contain lead, mercury, lithium batteries and other hazardous parts, and many devices still hold personal data. Throwing them in a skip or general waste bin can break the law and put information at risk. Send us one free request and we pass it to an independent e-waste disposal provider in your area, who quotes for safe, documented disposal.

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Why disposal of electronic waste needs care

Several common items need specialised handling during the disposal of electronic waste:

CRT TVs and monitors, which have lead in the glass
Fluorescent lamps and some older flat screens, which contain mercury
Lithium batteries, which can catch fire if crushed or damaged
Fridges and air conditioners, which contain refrigerant gases

A qualified provider separates these parts, sends them to licensed facilities and recycles what can be recovered.

Legal e-waste disposal and the landfill restrictions

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59 of 2008) requires waste to be handled in a way that does not harm people or the environment. National norms and standards restrict e-waste going to landfill, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations under section 18 of the Act require producers of electrical and electronic equipment to take part in producer responsibility schemes. If devices hold personal information, POPIA means you must make sure it is destroyed. Ask for a safe disposal certificate or certificate of recycling, plus a certificate of data destruction where relevant.

Disposing e-waste: how to get a quote

Tell us what you need to dispose of, how much there is, whether any of it is damaged or hazardous, and where it is. We pass the request to an e-waste disposal provider in your province, who contacts you directly. There is no charge for our service and no obligation. Requests range from a household with a few broken appliances to businesses clearing a full storeroom.

How to choose a recycler for e-waste disposal

The lowest price is not always the best deal when it comes to e-waste. When you receive your quote, check:

Compliance – ask whether the recycler is registered with a producer responsibility scheme, holds the waste licences its operations need, and can name ISO 14001 or similar certifications.
Paperwork – make sure you will receive a certificate of recycling or safe disposal, and a certificate of data destruction listing serial numbers where data is involved.
Downstream – find out where materials go after collection, and that nothing ends up in landfill or illegal export.
Total cost or value – compare collection, handling and any rebate for items with value, not only the headline rate.

Our service matches your request with a recycler who serves your area, so you can check these points before you commit. It costs nothing and you are under no obligation to accept the quote.

Request a e-waste disposal quote

To get an accurate quote quickly, include:

A list of items, noting anything damaged, leaking or swollen
Whether there are CRT screens, lamps, batteries or fridges in the load
Whether any devices hold data that must be destroyed
The certificates you need after disposal

Frequently asked questions

Can I put old electronics in my normal rubbish bin?: It is best not to. National norms and standards restrict e-waste going to landfill, and items such as batteries and CRT screens are hazardous. Use a recycler or a dedicated drop-off point instead.
What paperwork should I get after disposal?: Ask for a certificate of recycling or safe disposal listing what was collected. If devices held data, ask for a certificate of data destruction as well.

E-Waste Disposal by province

E-Waste Disposal by city

Related e-waste services

Fluorescent tubes, batteries and toner cartridges sorted into containers for hazardous waste disposal

Hazardous E-Waste Disposal

Shredded hard drive fragments collected in a bin below an industrial shredder

Data Destruction

Sorted electronic waste including computers, cables and circuit boards at a recycling depot

E-Waste Recycling

Crate of used lead-acid car batteries at a recycling yard

Battery Recycling