Vodacom – Circularity and e-waste initiatives: tackling environmental challenges in Africa

E-waste is the fastest-growing stream of waste in the world. According to the most recent Global E-waste Monitor, more than 50 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste is generated globally per year. Most of this waste is either dumped, burnt, or unaccounted for, potentially releasing harmful toxins to the environment and communities and emitting carbon and other gasses that contribute to global warming. 

At Vodacom, we believe that driving awareness about sustainability and introducing incentives for take-back schemes and refurbished devices can increase the longevity of electronics. One key component to solving the e-waste problem is consumer behaviour. Our Good as New programme aims to boost smartphone penetration and reduce e-waste by providing certified pre-owned smartphones at an affordable price. The Eco Rating initiative encourages suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of devices while helping consumers identify sustainable mobile phones. 

To address circularity and e-waste comprehensively, Vodacom has partnered with Circular Energy. This partnership ensures responsible collection, recycling, and management of e-waste, complying with South Africa’s extended producer responsibility regulations. Last year, Vodacom recycled over 1,273 tonnes of network equipment, supporting economic development and green entrepreneurship in South Africa. 

Vodacom South Africa is also part of the ‘1 million Phones for the Planet’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about e-waste and incentivize customers to trade in, donate, or recycle their used devices. Through the RedLovesGreen programme, customers can return devices to repair centres or have them collected for recycling.