NAMIBIA – The Namibian subsidiary of MultiChoice, a satellite TV service provider, has chosen NamiGreen, an electronic waste management company to recycle its electronic waste in Namibia.
The agreement between the two partners was concluded on August 13th, 2021.
Satellite TV service provider MultiChoice is looking to reduce its environmental impact through the sustainable management of its electronic waste in Africa.
The company based in the Namibian capital Windhoek will recycle MultiChoice’s e-waste.
“This includes their DStv and GOtv boxes and other electronic devices, such as phones, gadgets, etc.,” said NamiGreen.
On August 13th, 2021, the two companies set up 17 e-waste collection points in Namibia.
“Bins will also be present at all our branches in Eros, Katutura, Ongwediva and Swakopmund. At least 13 officers will be deployed across the country to oversee the collection process of our e-waste,” said Roger Gertze, Managing Director of MultiChoice Namibia.
MultiChoice is well aware of the dangers that e-waste poses to human health and the environment and the company now wants to reduce the disposal of its waste in landfills.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), e-waste contains many toxic substances such as heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and mercury.
The MultiChoice initiative is in line with other initiatives in Namibia to reduce environmental pollution.
NamiGreen, which has adhered to the ISO 14000 series of environmental management systems recycled approximately 135,220 kg of e-waste in 2020, 26% more than in 2019 (28,226 kg).
According to NamiGreen, e-waste is an emerging environmental issue requiring urgent attention, as it affects human health due to exposure through the food chain, skin contact, or inhalation.
“80% of all e-waste generated annually on a global scale, is not recycled”
United Nations
Amidst fast-paced technological advancements globally, consumption of electronic equipment is undoubtedly on the rise and so is e-waste.
“Many citizens and organizations, both private and public, literally have garages, rooms, hallways and even containers filled with the remains of electronic devices, computers and IT equipment,” said Per Hansen, CEO of NamiGreen.
Hansen, further explained an increased awareness in the Namibian society, increased governmental focus and the work of organizations like Recycle Namibia Forum all help put a focus on the e-waste problems.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations (UN), states that in 2019 alone, each Namibian generated 6.4 kg of e-waste.
According to the United Nations, 80% of all e-waste generated annually on a global scale, is not recycled.
The continent with the highest recycling rate is Europe, recycling 35 % of all its e-waste, Asia comes in 2nd with 22%, Americas 17 % and Oceania with 6%. Africa recycles around 0.5 %.
NamiGreen E-waste is a joint-venture between local logistics company Transworld Cargo and Danish PeHansen, founded in 2018. The venture has roots dating back to 2013 when the initiative was started by Transworld Cargo under the name Transworld Cargo e-waste.
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