NamiGreen a local e-waste recycling company has vastly increased e-waste recycling rates in 2018, saying that this indicates that more and more Namibian companies are concerned about discarded electronica ending up on landfill sites.

According to the company’s internal records, in 2018 more than 50,000 kg of e-waste were recycled, which is 52% more than in the period 2015 to 2017 combined. NamiGreen confirmed that they have recycled the equivalent of 5000 computer monitors in the year, “which is 5,000 computer monitors not ending up in a landfill harming precious ecosystems in the country,” the company stated adding that these volumes are not possible were it nor for their tenacious employees.

The company attributes its major growth in e-wast recycling to increased awareness by both private individuals and corporate entities.

Per Hansen, Chief Executive of NamiGreen said e-waste contains hazardous components and must be handled safely by trained professional staff, therefore they ensure legal compliance, a policy of zero landfill dumping and the safety of their employees. “Citizens can easily recycle their electronics by placing it in one of the may e-waste bins we have. We also offer companies and organisations a free e-waste collection service where they simply call us or they can go to our website, www.namigreen.com, to book an e-waste collection online in a few minutes. This convenient method has been well received and we expect even more companies to use the service this year,” emphasised Hansen.

For 2019 NamiGreen said they are expecting to beat previous e-waste recycling rates, promising further progress in their quest to improve e-waste recycling rates. They also intends to partner with more companies as well as citizens to start recycling e-waste properly and they have recently installed e-waste bins at the Ministry of Education compound in the Government Office Park.

According to the United Nations, e-waste or electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. Still, globally 80% of e-waste is not recycled or recycled properly. While other regions have growing recycling rates, Africa recycles less than 0.5% of its e-waste.