Bellville is taking a practical step towards a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future with the launch of new public e-waste drop-off points. Residents can now recycle unwanted electronics at official ERA bins located at:
• SPAR, New Boston Centre public parking lot, 85 Voortrekker Street
• DF Malan High School
• Bellville GTP Recycling and Buy-Back Centre, 1 AJ West Street, Bellville
The initiative supports the circular economy by making responsible e-waste disposal visible, simple and accessible.
A collaborative effort to improve Bellville
The project is led by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) through its better. bellville. together. place-making programme, supported and funded by the City of Cape Town. It is delivered in partnership with the eWaste Recycling Authority (ERA), eWASA, Taking Care of Businesses (TCB) and the New Boston building property owners.
The activation marks an important milestone for environmental action in the Northern Suburbs.
Why e-waste recycling matters
Global e-waste volumes continue to rise as technology use grows. In 2022 alone, the world generated more than 62 million tonnes of electronic waste, yet only 22% was properly recycled.
South Africa contributes over 360,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, but formally recycles only 12%. As a result, hazardous substances such as mercury, cadmium, and lead leach into soil, water, and homes.
Improper e-waste handling releases more than 1,000 toxic chemicals into the environment annually. These neurotoxins pose heightened risks to pregnant women and children. Across Africa, where formal recycling rates are often below 1%, communities remain especially vulnerable.
The economic opportunity in e-waste
E-waste is not only an environmental hazard. It is also a missed economic opportunity. Old phones, laptops, kettles, routers, and TVs contain valuable materials such as gold, copper, and rare-earth elements, collectively worth billions globally.
If global recycling rates reached 60% by 2030, the world could save more than US$38 billion in health and environmental costs, while creating new green jobs in repair, refurbishment and recycling.
Local impact through community action
“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.”
What residents can recycle
The new drop-off points accept any device with a plug or battery, including:
• Old phones and chargers
• Laptops and accessories
• TVs, monitors and small appliances
• Cables, routers and modems
Clear signage at each site lists accepted items, operating times and contact details for the recycling teams.
Join the Bellville e-waste recycling challenge
Residents and businesses are encouraged to turn unused electronics into opportunities rather than dumping or storing them.
How to take part:
- Recycle
Drop off your e-waste at any official ERA bin. - Snap and submit
Take a photo of your drop-off and share it in the comments of any e-waste campaign post on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. - Use hashtags
#ewasterecyclingchallange, #gtp
It takes five minutes to help make Bellville better. together. and greener.
