INTRODUCING SRI

The Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) Programme is a global programme that seeks to build capacity for sustainable WEEE recycling in developing nations. Phase II of the SRI programme is currently being implemented in South Africa until mid-2025. It is running in parallel in four other countries: Peru, Columbia, Egypt and Ghana.

SRI is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO). It is jointly implemented by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) and the World Resources Forum (WRF).

• current South Africa WEEE generation trends and management practices

• key stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities

• international and national laws applicable

• local economic growth strategies governing aspects of WEEE management.

Second, a review of international approaches to policy development and a comparative analysis of WEEE policies and strategies was done based on generic evaluation criteria. This offers a comprehensive summary of high-level recommendations and findings useful for any country, municipality or even organisation seeking to institutionalise a WEEE policy.

If you/your organisation want to be registered as an ‘Interested and Affected Party’ (I&AP) to be able to contribute to the ongoing national WEEE policy development process and/or the establishment of WEEE operator/facilitybased norms and standards for South Africa, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Susanne Karcher, national coordinator at SRI (envirosense@xsinet.co.za).

* National project manager for SRI Phase II