Waste not, want not!

Instead of taking your old or broken electronics to a dumpsite, you can take it to an e-waste recycling company and get paid for what is regarded as rubbish.

The official opening of the new base for Sims E-Waste recycling company on Jack Smith Road, Ballito was on Thursday, August 11.

The company had been in Ballito since 2009, previously located on Compensation Station Road.

Sims is the world’s largest electronic recycler, with more than 270 facilities on five continents.

Deputy minister of South African environmental affairs, Barbara Thomson gave the green light to the company stating that e-waste recycling was a critical service because as a result of poverty and unemployment in the rural and informal settlements, people often resort to searching through landfills for food and valuables, exposing them to the toxins released by e-waste.

“The opening of this new e-waste facility has a special place in my heart, because it touches on so many areas that are critically important to our country.

“From job creation, to the caring for the environment, to implementing technology that will put South Africa on the global map as an important e-waste player,” said Thomson.

Sims E waste, employs more than 500 locals, most of them from the surrounding townships.

They work at the factory and some at the WeCare containers that are placed in the townships to reduce computer illiteracy.

WeCare is a non-profit company that develop innovative solutions for African computer literacy and e-waste problems from within communities.

Each container is set up as a mini computer lab, bringing internet access and computer training within easy reach. The company has two operational sites in Shakashead and Darnall.