E-waste disposal & battery safety in Stellenbosch: what’s safe (and lawful)
How to dispose of laptops and lithium batteries safely in Stellenbosch—fire risk basics, POPIA data risks, lawful routes, and CoDD certificates.
Digissential Team 2 min read Updated 04 Sept 2025
Why this matters: Most people underestimate fire risk from lithium batteries and the POPIA risk from data left on old drives. This guide shows safe, legal routes in Stellenbosch, and how our CoDD process protects you.
What we take (and how we handle it)
| Item | Accepted | Handling highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Laptops & desktops | ✅ | Intake log → optional data recovery → cryptographic wipe → CoDD |
| Internal/External drives (HDD/SSD) | ✅ | Read-only imaging (if requested) → verified wipe → CoDD |
| Phone & tablet batteries (loose) | ✅ | Terminals taped, bagged, fire-safe storage, routed to recycler |
| Chargers, cables, small peripherals | ✅ | Visual check; copper/PCB separated into correct streams |
| Swollen/damaged lithium packs | ✅ | No charging or compression; isolated and contained for hand-off |
| CRT/large appliances | ❌ | Refer to specialist municipal/recycler channels (ask us) |
Policy & safety: see E-Waste Disposal Policy and On-Site Safety Checklist.
POPIA & data: no shortcuts
Old PCs and drives often contain IDs, addresses, coursework, client data. We operate a POPIA-aligned chain:
- Authorise what to do with your data (recover, wipe, destroy) during intake.
- Recover requested files first (if the device still reads).
- Wipe via crypto-erase or multi-pass where required, with verification.
- Document every step and issue a CoDD for your records.
Need destruction only? → Data Destruction service (CoDD)
Local routes & references
- National guidance and recycler network → eWASA – E-Waste Association of SA: https://ewasa.org/
- Provincial programmes & drop-off info → Western Cape Government – Recycling: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/
(External links open official resources; we’ll still handle the practical prep and certified wipe on request.)
How our process builds trust
- Documented intake: serials, condition, data instructions.
- Safe handling: terminals taped, isolation for damaged cells, compliant transport.
- Traceable wipe: method, verifier, date/time, technician.
- Proof you can file: CoDD for audits/landlords/clients.
- Transparency: policy and safety procedures published.
Ready to dispose the right way?
- Policy → E-Waste Disposal Policy
- Safety → On-Site Safety Checklist
- Certificates → Data Destruction service (CoDD)
Updated on 2025-09-04.