Note: Since this article was published, Makro’s vouchers for electronic trash initiative has been cancelled.
Local retailer Makro has partnered with The E-waste Recycling Authority (ERA), a non-profit company (NPC), and several other electronic companies to launch an e-waste recycling initiative.
Individuals can turn in your old or unwanted small, medium and large domestic appliances and ICT e-waste and receive a Makro voucher in return.
The initiative forms part of International E-Waste Day, which took place on 14 October and aims to tackle environmental waste that is caused by garbage electronics.
How does it work?
Unwanted and old appliances can be dropped off at the dedicated Desco containers established by ERA at a range of Makro stores across the country.
Here is a list of Makro stores with Desco containers:
- Woodmead
- Riversands
- Carnival
- Strubens Valley
- Alberton
- Centurion
- Crown Mines
- Germiston Silverlakes
- Wonderboom
- Vaal
- Amanzimtoti
- Cornubia
- Pietermaritzburg
- Polokwane
- Nelspruit
- Bloemfontein
- Montague Gardens
- Cape Gate
The value of the voucher from Makro will be based on the size of the appliance. Check the diagram below from ERA, which outlines what you will receive in return for your unwanted electronics, appliances and ICT items such as keyboards, computers and cables. Note that the maximum value you can expect to receive in vouchers is R600.
More detailed information on the viable items can be found here.
The disposal bins are allocated at the car parks of the abovementioned Makro stores.
A statement on Makro’s website assures customers that all items will be inspected and safely disposed of: “Should any component of the items collected not be suitable for recycling, it will be safely disposed of in adherence to all waste management regulations.”
For larger items that are not able to fit in the containers, it is advisable to request assistance from a store manager at Makro.
The initiative has been designed to be fuss-free and no paperwork or permission is required to use the bin.
FOOD24 UPDATE as of Thursday 19 October at 17:00: The initiative has currently been shelved for possible future launch.