Old phone in a drawer? Where to recycle it at Makro and Vodacom
Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Old phones, dead batteries, broken chargers and that laptop gathering dust can all be dropped off for recycling at Makro stores and Vodacom repair centres, or collected from your home through Vodacom's partner Circular Energy.
The reminder comes as both companies released new collection figures this month. Massmart, which owns Makro, says its programme has collected more than 1,800 tonnes of e-waste since 2008. Vodacom says it collected 2.27 tonnes from 114 home collections during a September rewards challenge.
Where can you drop off e-waste at Makro?
Makro stores have green 20ft e-waste containers outside where you can leave unwanted electronics, according to MyBroadband. Massmart says the containers are big enough for double-door fridges and chest freezers, and the programme is run with the e-Waste Recycling Authority and Desco Electronic Recyclers.
How does Vodacom's recycling work?
Under its RedLovesGreen programme, you can hand in old devices at any of Vodacom's 37 repair centres nationwide. They are repaired, refurbished, resold or sent to an approved recycler.
Vodacom says customers may get a credit or trade-in discount towards a new device or upgrade, depending on the device. Repairable phones are resold as refurbished "Good as New" devices.
Can someone collect it from your home?
Yes. Vodacom customers can book a home collection through Circular Energy, a producer responsibility organisation. You fill in its online collection request form, listing up to 10 items, or describe a bulk load. Circular Energy says requests are reviewed and passed to an accredited service provider, who arranges the pickup.
What should you do before handing in a phone?
Vodacom asks donors to do a full factory reset and switch off "Find my device" (Find My iPhone on Apple devices). If it stays on, the phone can't be processed. Take out your SIM and memory cards first. Chargers and other accessories can go in with the device.
Why not just throw it in the bin?
Screens, circuit boards and batteries contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury that can leak into soil and water at landfills. South Africans generate about 530 million kilograms of e-waste a year, Vodacom said, citing the UN Global E-Waste Monitor.
Is anyone paying cash for e-waste?
Not at Makro. Massmart told MyBroadband in June it had no plans to pay cash for e-waste in the coming months. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's e-waste pilot paid R4.50 per kilogram at its May launch in Mthatha and has since held collection events in other provinces, including Atteridgeville in Gauteng, MyBroadband reported.
FAQ
Where can I recycle old electronics in South Africa?
Makro stores have e-waste containers outside, Vodacom accepts devices at its 37 repair centres, and Circular Energy takes home collection requests online.
Does Vodacom pay for old phones?
Vodacom says customers may get a credit or trade-in discount towards a new device or upgrade, depending on the device.
What should I do before recycling my phone?
Do a full factory reset, switch off Find my device or Find My iPhone, and remove your SIM and memory cards.
Can Makro take large appliances?
Massmart says its e-waste containers are large enough for items such as double-door fridges and chest freezers.
Does Makro pay cash for e-waste?
Massmart told MyBroadband in June that it had no plans to pay cash for e-waste in the following months.