NamiGreen teams up with MultiChoice to help manage e-waste

As part of its sustainability strategy, the Namibian subsidiary of MultiChoice, a satellite television service provider, has partnered with NamiGreen, a leading e-waste recycling company, for the management of its electronic waste in Namibia.

Through this partnership, MultiChoice seeks to reduce its environmental impact through the sustainable management of its e-waste. With the conclusion of their agreement, the two companies have set up 17 e-waste collection points in Namibia. This development will allow citizens to recycle their DStv and GOtv boxes and other electronics, such as phones, gadgets, and devices.

“Over the years, we have adopted several initiatives to ensure that our working territories are eco-friendly and by partnering with NamiGreen, the e-waste bins will be present at all our branches, namely Eros, Katutura, Ongwediva, and Swakopmund, including our 13 agents across Namibia,” said Roger Gertze, Managing Director of MultiChoice Namibia.

Once an electronic device reaches the end of life, it automatically becomes waste which in turn needs proper disposal. Not only is e-waste a great source of pollution, but it also cannot be landfilled due to many and toxic substances inherent.

Buttressing this point is a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) which warned that e-waste contains many toxic substances such as heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and mercury.

In light of the threat that electronic waste poses to both human and environmental well-being, MultiChoice is set to reduce the landfill of its waste, thereby reducing pollution and associated risks.

The MultiChoice initiative is in line with other schemes set up in Namibia to reduce environmental pollution. NamiGreen, which has adhered to the ISO 14000 series environmental management systems, recycled approximately 135,220 kg of electronic waste in 2020, 26% more than in 2019 (28,226 kg).

NamiGreen’s Managing Director, Per Hansen explained, “It’s critical for us to have a geographical footprint so that Namibians have shorter proximity to drop off their e-waste. The partnership with MultiChoice has enabled this and we are excited to announce this.”

He believes that the partnership will not only benefit the two companies but the country as a whole in terms of environmental protection against pollution, as well as job creation.