At CARBON RELOAD we are focused specifically on the recycling and repurposing of electronic goods in order to reduce pollution and wastage.
The South African government has introduced legislation which enables private-public partnerships to contribute to the reduction of waste and in particular the waste from Electronics and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting and Batteries (generally referred to as eWaste). CARBON RELOAD has started operating in the EEE sector and is one of a very few Non-Profit Companies operating within this legislative context (registration number – 19/7/6/E/PRO/20250523/072).
The legislation has introduced two concepts viz the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, and the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme represents an environmental policy wherein a Producer’s obligation for a product extends to encompass its post-consumer phase within the product’s lifecycle. EPR aims to ensure that Producers bear responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the products they place on the market, encompassing design, production, and disposal phases. This responsibility means that Producers pay a tariff, which is designed to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to recycle/ dispose of / or repurpose end-of- life electronic goods so that as little as possible ends up in landfill sites.
The Producer is generally defined as the manufacturer, importer, or brand owner of the electronic goods placed onto the South African market.
The Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) are non-profit companies mandated by Legislation to implement EPR schemes.
The Producers pay fees / tariffs to the PRO’s in order to ensure that goods produced are properly disposed of or re-purposed. CARBON RELOAD is a PRO.
OUR POSITION
We have built the critical management tools and business components around a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) within the Electronic Goods recycling space.
We have been involved in the technology, electronics, information technology, and computer hardware industries for more than 3 decades. We understand the usage of electronic goods as well as the need to safely dispose / recycle items, or the repurposing thereof.
We understand the recycling industry end-to-end, from gathering feedstock to processing, and we are facilitating the required business relationships to enable the value chain.
THE PROBLEM
Producers of electronic goods and appliances are often unaware of, or do not have the capacity to manage their environmental legal obligations by themselves. To date, these have been considered non-core processes.
Producers are focused on the business of design, manufacture / import, and marketing of the electronic goods that they create. While the production inputs may very well take into consideration the environmental concerns present, the end-of-life / disposal thereof, is often more complicated than they are able to manage by themselves without having the benefit of a PRO at their side to advise them and to assist in taking care of their environmental responsibilities which are prescribed by the legislation.
OUR SOLUTION
As a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), we can:
- Advise Producers of their environmental legal responsibilities with respect to the management and disposal of their end-of-life electronic goods;
- Audit the extent of their environmental legal responsibilities;
- Receive the fees required by the environmental legislation;
- Utilise the fees gathered in order to:
- safely dispose of / recycle the electronic waste created; or
- repurpose the end-of-life electronic products;
- create jobs during the process of disposing / recycling and repurposing as described above;
- training for various roles in the value chain, for example the collection of recyclables, repurposing and repairs of collected/ recyclable goods;
- market awareness campaigns.
- Produce the required reports and submit to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to show overall progress with regard to e-Waste recycling and the use of funds in compliance with the Act;
- Assist Producers to remain compliant;
- Provide feedback to Producers with regard to the recyclability (or not) of their components. This will add value to their processes (production inputs) and responsibilities (environmental).
WHY CARBON RELOAD
CARBON RELOAD cares about the environment and responsible and compliant business. We also understand the business of electronic waste recycling as well as the environmental legal obligations present. As a PRO, CARBON RELOAD creates the ideal platform for Producers to more easily manage their waste disposal obligations.
Our purpose is structured around enabling good business and ensuring that business is environmentally responsible. The lower the volumes of waste going to landfill, the more we clean our environment and the more value we retain and grow in the financial ecosystem.
We have the broad industry knowledge that allows us to produce bespoke results with the in-house depth of skills that reach across business and production / operational scenarios. We understand the need to keep clients compliant while enabling profitable businesses. Importantly, CARBON RELOAD’s work has a direct and positive effect on the environment and creates meaningful and sustainable jobs.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Our work is collaborative. We create value for our Producers of electronic goods by helping them to achieve their environmental legal responsibilities while still focusing on the business of producing great consumer electronics and selling them into the South African marketplace.
We bring our knowledge to the Producers and make it easier for them to remain compliant.
Producers have industry representatives who they can nominate to serve on our Board of Directors. In this way, Producers can be assured that they are a valuable part of creating a cleaner environment. They can also actively stay informed, and can create additional jobs and economic value in the recycling / repurposing business space.
This is an opportunity to drive change, to do great business, and to preserve the environment.
CONTACT US
We are happy to meet and assist you in evaluating your position. We would like to partner with you.
Please contact us at:
Phone: 083 708 2036
Email: info@carbonreload.com