When most people think of waste, they picture plastics and packaging. But one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world is electronic waste, old computers, printers, batteries, cables, and phones. Gondwana Collection Namibia has partnered with NamiGreen in 2021 to address this issue by responsibly recycling our e-waste. In Namibia, the systems to manage this kind of waste are still developing, which makes the work of NamiGreen even more important.
Expert explains the manual dismantling process of e-waste
Breaking down electronics, piece by piece
For more than six years, NamiGreen has been dismantling electronics by hand, carefully separating plastics, metals, batteries, and cables. Take a printer as an example: one can weigh up to 80 kilograms, and in most cases more than half of the weight is plastic. Without proper dismantling, all that plastic would end up in landfills. Instead, NamiGreen ensures that plastics, light steel, and reusable components are separated and recycled responsibly. Valuable materials such as copper from cables are recovered, while hazardous items like batteries are shipped to South Africa for safe processing. Parts that Namibia cannot yet handle are sent abroad once they reach a minimum of 10 tons, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
A close-up shot of electronic waste items
This process is slow and detailed – much of it still done manually by a small team of dedicated workers, but it makes a big difference. Each month, NamiGreen handles an estimated 2-4 tonnes of plastic alone, on top of other materials. And because they track their clients and issue official recycling certificates, businesses can be confident their waste has been handled responsibly.
Gondwana’s contribution to a cleaner Namibia
Gondwana Collection Namibia joined NamiGreen in 2021, and since then we’ve recycled 1,861 kilograms – nearly two metric tonnes – of our old electronic equipment. From outdated computers to broken printers, this partnership has kept harmful materials out of Namibian soil and water, while supporting job creation and contributing to a growing culture of sustainability in our country.
Detailing the careful manual separation of plastics and metals from electronic devices.
At Gondwana Collection, we believe sustainability means action – not just words. Partnering with NamiGreen allows us to turn waste into change: safeguarding Namibia’s landscapes while proving that even “hobby quantities” of e-waste can add up to a significant impact. Together, step by step, we’re shaping a cleaner and greener future.
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