{"id":44711,"date":"2025-12-12T16:02:31","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T16:02:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/?p=44711"},"modified":"2026-01-29T12:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:54:33","slug":"better-bellville-steps-up-recycling-efforts-with-new-e-waste-drop-off-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/featured\/better-bellville-steps-up-recycling-efforts-with-new-e-waste-drop-off-sites\/","title":{"rendered":"New e-waste drop-off sites in Bellville scales up recycling efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"

B<\/span>ellville is taking a bold step towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future with the introduction of new public e-waste drop-off points at any of the official ERA bins to support the circular economy.<\/p>\n

The e-waste bins can be found at the SPAR in the New Boston Centre (a revitalised 10-storey mixed-use building) public parking lot at 85 Voortrekker Street, DF Malan High School, and the Bellville GTP Recycling & Buy-Back Centre at 1 AJ West Street, Bellville.<\/p>\n

Led by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership<\/a><\/span> (GTP) through its better. bellville. together.<\/a> <\/span>initiative, this is a collaborative place-making initiative that has been taking shape in Bellville, supported and funded by the City of Cape Town. Together with key partners – eWaste Recycling Authority (ERA), eWASA, Taking Care of Businesses (TCB), and the New Boston building property owners – this activation marks an important moment for the Northern Suburbs.<\/p>\n

As our reliance on technology grows, so does the mountain of discarded electronics we leave behind. In 2022, the world produced more than 62 million tonnes of e-waste – enough to circle the planet with 1.55 million trucks – yet only 22% was properly recycled. South Africa adds over 360,000 tonnes to that total each year but formally recycles only 12%, which allows dangerous substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead to enter our soil, water and homes.<\/p>\n

The consequences are severe. Improperly handled e-waste can release over 1000 toxic chemicals into the environment annually, including neurotoxins that pose heightened risks to pregnant women and children. Across Africa, where formal recycling rates remain below 1% in many areas, communities are especially vulnerable.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Improperly handled e-waste can release over 1000 toxic chemicals into the environment annually, including neurotoxins that pose heightened risks to pregnant women and children.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The opportunity to do better is within reach. If global recycling rates increased to 60% by 2030, the world could save more than $38-billion in health and environmental costs, while reducing pollution, conserving valuable metals, and creating new green jobs in repair, refurbishment, and recycling.<\/p>\n

“Through the better. together. waste management programme, we are committed to building cleaner and more sustainable public spaces,” says Warren Hewitt, CEO of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership. “This e-waste initiative brings together local partners and residents to tackle a global problem at a neighbourhood level. Every kettle, phone, and cable dropped off helps build a greener Bellville.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n