In 2025, governments are focusing on stricter e-waste regulations, including stronger Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and mandatory quotas for recycling and refurbishment. Key developments include a push for certified data erasure, a focus on sustainable and modular electronics design, and the promotion of circular economy practices. Local and national e-government initiatives are being used to drive these changes, with conferences and public drives organized to encourage citizen and business participation in responsible disposal.
Key updates in e-waste and government action
- Stricter e-waste regulations:
- Governments are implementing stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that hold manufacturers responsible for their products’ entire lifecycle, from design to disposal.
- Mandatory recycling and refurbishment quotas are expected to increase, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
- There is a growing emphasis on secure data erasure from discarded devices, with a push for certified data erasure processes and mandatory documentation to prove compliance.
- The development of modular electronics and a “right to repair” movement is encouraged to extend product lifespans and reduce waste.
- Government and e-government initiatives:
- Many governments are using their e-government platforms to launch public awareness campaigns and organize e-waste collection drives, such as the E-Revolution Drive in the US.
- Conferences are being held to bring together stakeholders to find innovative solutions for e-waste management. For example, the Gauteng e-Waste Management Conference in South Africa aims to drive sustainable solutions.
- Some regions are promoting global certifications for IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) providers to ensure consistent and compliant e-waste processing and reporting worldwide.
- Circular economy and sustainability:
- There is a growing focus on the 5Rs: Rethink, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, and Recycle, to promote a circular economy for electronics.
- Financial incentives are being considered to encourage refurbishment and resale of electronic equipment.
- The UN and other international bodies are highlighting the severe environmental risks associated with e-waste, which contain toxic substances like mercury and lead, to motivate stricter regulations and responsible disposal practices.
Speaking at a media briefing today at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, MEC for e-Government, Mr. Bonginkosi Dhlamini, said: “We are not here to build a tech-savvy elite, our mission is to use technology to solve problems that affect ordinary people. From potholes to power outages, from unemployment to crime, technology must be the bridge to a better life for all Gauteng residents.”
Guided by this vision, the Department has aligned its programmes with the strategic objective of addressing the “Gauteng 13” challenges identified by the Premier. These include, among others, water shortages, cable theft, vandalism, non-functional traffic lights, potholes, crime, electricity disruptions, unemployment, and the mushrooming of informal settlements. Through focused and technology-based interventions, the Department is committed to delivering real and sustainable solutions.
One of the areas where this commitment is already evident is in the management of e-waste. Last week, the Department hosted a two-day Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (e-Waste) Conference, confronting one of the digital age’s most urgent environmental and governance issues.
MEC Dhlamini reaffirmed his commitment to positioning the Department as a driver of e-waste strategies and green innovation. The conference underscored the province’s goal to transform e-waste from an environmental hazard into an economic opportunity that fosters innovation and job creation.
“Unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues in our province,” MEC Dhlamini stated. “But the e-waste sector offers real opportunities, this is a space where even those without formal education can be trained, can participate, and can earn a living. We must turn this challenge into a green economy win”, said MEC.
The Department will soon embark on township awareness campaigns to educate communities about the risks of e-waste, proper disposal methods, and the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities available in this growing sector.
In the fight against crime, the Department has made significant progress by leveraging surveillance and emergency response technologies. Since 2023, 830 CCTV cameras have been installed across identified crime hotspots in townships, informal settlements, hostels, shopping centres, and public roads. Under Phase 4 of the rollout, this number is expected to increase. The partnership with Vuma Cam has further strengthened crime-fighting efforts, giving the Gauteng Provincial Government access to a network of over 7,200 cameras. These resources have already enabled successful vehicle interceptions and arrests in high-crime areas.
The Department has also continued to promote the use of the Gauteng e-Panic Button mobile application, which provides residents with direct access to armed response and emergency medical services. To date, more than 165,718 residents have downloaded the app, while over 2,000 physical panic buttons have been distributed. Over 88,528 emergency callouts have been recorded, clear evidence that the system is working and trusted by the public.