A Vodacom e-waste challenge has revealed that South Africans are willing to embrace responsible e-waste recycling when it is made simple, convenient and rewarding.

Vodacom South Africa's Turn Your E-Waste into Rewards Challenge, in partnership with Circular Energy, led to the collection of more than 2 270 kg of electronic waste through 114 home collections across eight provinces.

This prevented unwanted electronics from ending up in landfills, while encouraging consumers to adopt more sustainable disposal habits.

“The results of this initiative demonstrate that South Africans are ready to embrace more sustainable behaviours when we make it easy for them to do so. Collecting more than 2.2 t of e-waste through just 114 home collections shows that convenience and collaboration can play a powerful role in changing consumer behaviour,” said Vodacom South Africa external affairs director Takalani Netshitenzhe.

The challenge encouraged participants to schedule free home collections through Circular Energy, making it easier for consumers to dispose of unwanted electronics responsibly without leaving their homes.

“Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in South Africa, yet far too many unwanted devices remain in cupboards, garages and storerooms or are disposed of incorrectly. The success of this campaign demonstrates that when recycling is made convenient through services such as free home collections, people are willing to do the right thing,” added Circular Energy CEO Patricia Schröder.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor, South Africa generates an estimated 530-million kilogrammes of e-waste every year – almost eight kilogrammes a person.

However, much of it remains stored in homes or is disposed of incorrectly despite containing valuable materials that can be recovered and reused through responsible recycling.

Gauteng recorded the highest participation with more than 1 330 kg of e-waste collected.

This was followed by KwaZulu-Natal with the collection of 609.8 kg and the Western Cape, which collected 307 kg of e-waste.

The results highlight the positive impact that accessible collection initiatives can have in addressing one of South Africa's fastest-growing environmental challenges.

“At Vodacom, we believe that protecting the planet requires partnerships that make sustainable choices more accessible. Through our collaboration with Circular Energy, we are helping customers responsibly recycle old mobile phones and tablets that would otherwise end up in landfill,” said Netshitenzhe, pointing out that Vodacom continues to invest in initiatives that extend the lifespan of devices, reduce waste and create shared environmental and social value.

This includes its RedLovesGreen programme, which enables customers to repair, refurbish, resell or responsibly recycle devices, alongside ongoing efforts to reuse, resell or recycle network equipment and contribute to the growth of South Africa's green economy.

“This partnership forms an important part of our circular economy strategy, helping us keep valuable materials in use for longer, reduce waste and connect people to a better future.”

Schröder noted that partnerships such as this one with Vodacom are essential to building a circular economy that keeps valuable materials in circulation, diverts waste from landfill and supports South Africa's Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

“Every electronic device returned helps conserve resources, protect the environment and contributes to the growth of a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.”

The initiative builds on the partnership between Vodacom and Circular Energy announced in 2024, which aims to strengthen South Africa's e-waste management ecosystem by improving the responsible collection, recovery and recycling of electronic waste.