DFFE and ERA NPC Drive E-Waste Circular Economy with Successful Langa Imbizo

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the Electronic Waste Recycling Authority (ERA NPC), has successfully hosted another crucial E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project Launch and Imbizo in Langa, Cape Town.

Held on Friday, 12 June 2026, at the Langa Community Hall, the initiative saw a strong turnout from the local community, driving forward South Africa's commitment to the circular economy.

Led by Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, the Langa Imbizo served as a vital platform for community engagement and active environmental stewardship.

As the boots-on-the-ground driver of these events, ERA NPC facilitated the smooth execution of the day's operations, ensuring residents could safely and responsibly dispose of their unwanted electronic items.

Key Success Metrics from the Langa Imbizo

The event yielded impressive results, demonstrating a steady commitment to diverting hazardous electronic waste from landfills:

Total Transactions: 191 individual handovers from residents.

Tonnage Collected: 5,368.80 kg (over 5.3 tonnes) of e-waste safely recovered.

Total Community Payout: R27,024.60 injected directly back into the community.

To incentivise participation, residents were paid R4.50 per kilogram of e-waste brought in, alongside a R15.00 participation fee per transaction.

Driving the Circular Economy

Alex Cremer, ERA NPC's Head of Programmes and Projects, highlighted the broader significance of these figures and the evolving nature of community e-waste habits:

"These imbizos continue to provide a direct channel for responsible household e-waste collection while reinforcing awareness of available recycling solutions. The volumes received at the Langa Imbizo may indicate growing public awareness of e-waste recycling and reduced household stockpiling, reflecting positive progress towards more consistent participation in South Africa's circular economy. We thank Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts and the DFFE for their partnership in rolling out this important initiative across South Africa's communities."

The collaboration between the DFFE and ERA NPC underscores the power of public-private partnerships in tackling electronic waste.

By bringing collection points directly into communities like Langa, the initiative removes barriers to recycling, protects local environments, and provides immediate economic relief to participants.

ERA NPC is committed to delivering these essential rollouts across South African communities and supporting long-term behavioural shifts toward sustainable waste management.

About ERA NPC

ERA NPC (Electronic Waste Recycling Authority) is a non-profit company dedicated to implementing effective, compliant, and sustainable electronic waste management solutions across South Africa.

Working closely with government, industry, and local communities, ERA NPC acts as the operational catalyst for national e-waste recycling initiatives.

For more information, please visit https://www.eranpc.co.za.