Electronic Waste

Electronic waste, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), refers to various kinds of waste containing electronic circuits or electrically powered components, often containing relatively expensive and durable products as well as harmful materials such as brominated flame retardant (BFR) plastics and CFC foams. E-Waste includes computers, LCD / CRT screens, cooling appliances, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics.

Rhodes University makes an effort to dispose of its e-waste in an environmentally friendly manner, such as sending it to a credible and ethical recycling company.

On campus:

RU staff with scrap IT equipment:

1. RU staff should complete an Asset Write Off form - available from the RU Assets Administrator on ext 8141.
2. Inform the IT Division of the asset numbers being written off - email support(at)ru.ac.za or call ext 8288.
3. Make prior arrangements for temporary storage with the Clerk, Furniture & Equipment Store - call ext 8567 and email a list of the equipment + asset numbers to a.kivitts(at)ru.ac.za
4. Once you receive a reply from the Clerk, email janitors(at)ru.ac.za and cc a.kivitts(at)ru.ac.za to collect the items + the Asset Write Off form and deliver them to the F&E Store.

Wednesday mornings:

• Furniture & Equipment Store serves as a drop off point for E-Waste on Wednesdays between 8 am and 10 am.
• More info: Anton Kivitts a.kivitts(at)ru.ac.za, 076 806 8882, 046 603 8567

Faulty equipment at RU

1. RU staff with faulty IT equipment should bring or send (via Janitors) their faulty equipment to RU Electronic Services.
2. Electronic Services will assess and either (a) repair or (b) write off the equipment.
3. If (a), then user collects equipment.
4. If (b), then Electronic Services will complete the Asset Write Off paperwork, as mandated by Finance assets administration, and make arrangements for temporary storage at the Furniture & Equipment Store.

Off-campus facilities:

There are various options for disposing of e-waste:

• Microdoctor cc: based in Port Elizabeth , recycles every aspect of any electrical equipment. Contact Tony Bosch 082 803 8666 / tony@microdoctor.co.za, or Tony McEwan 076 502 1714 / mcewantony@hotmail.com
• Kisma Kreative: makes use of computer keyboards and mice for recycling or 'upcycling' (the creative re-use of components for artwork or useful products). Contact Tracy 083-522.8932 / tracy(at)kisma.co.za or visit www.kisma.co.za to see what will happen to your keyboards and mice.
• Recyclers: Send the non-hazardous components of the equipment (metal casing, plastic covers, etc) for recycling.
• E-Waste Association of South Africa: lists collection points in the Eastern Cape area at http://www.e-waste.org.za/ewaste/collectionpoints/easterncape

It is very important to scrutinise the integrity of any service provider before sending e-waste for disposal, or even donating old computers to needy communities - view these case stories of e-waste in South Africa and e-waste in Ghana. Also visit our page on recycling computer parts.

Go to:

• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Toxic solvents and other hazardous chemicals
• Paint
• Batteries
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Computers
• Cellphones
• Printing cartridges

Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za