PRACTICAL
ASSESSMENT TASK
xxxxxxx
(PHASE 1) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
The environmental
implications of e-waste in
South Africa
Table of contents
Contents
Table of contents .................................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2
Task definition ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Main question/focus question ............................................................................................................. 4
10 questions ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Heading 1: Background of e-waste ........................................................................................... 4
Heading 2: Challenges of e-waste ............................................................................................. 4
Heading 3: Disposal of e-waste ................................................................................................. 4
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Appendices............................................................................................................................................ 5
Addendum 1: Folder structure .................................................................................................... 5
Addendum 2: Bibliographical info for sources............................................................................. 5
Source 1: Website 1 ............................................................................................................... 5
Source 2: Website 2 ............................................................................................................... 6
Source 3: Handbook of Electronic Waste Management................................................... 6
Addendum 3: Table of resources............................................................................................... 7
Category 1: Background of e-waste.............................................................................................. 7
Category 2: Challenges of e-waste ................................................................................................. 8
Category 3: Disposal of e-waste ..................................................................................................... 9
Addendum 4: Declaration of authenticity ................................................................................ 10
Page 1 of 10
Introduction
Electronic waste, commonly abbreviated as e-waste, refers to discarded electronic
devices, gadgets, and electrical equipment nearing the end of their useful life. These
items can range from outdated computers and smartphones to old appliances like
refrigerators and televisions. (Kumar, 2017)
Figure 1: E-waste
Page 2 of 10
Task definition
In South Africa, dealing with electronic waste is becoming a big issue. E-waste
includes old gadgets like phones and computers that people throw away.
Right now, South Africa does not have great ways to handle all this e-waste.
When e-waste is not dealt with properly, it can have negative effects to the
environment.
The harmful components inside electronics, like lead and mercury, can leak out ,
which can lead to environmental pollution.
The purpose of this research is to find out how e-waste affects the environment in
South Africa, and also what can be done to handle it responsibly and stop it from
harming the environment.
To approach the task, I will use different methods to gather information for my
research. This will include searching for relevant academic articles, and case studies
on the topic through a chrome web browser and also using books from the library to
find relevant information.
To present my research, I will utilize various software tools such as Microsoft Word,
Excel, and HTML to create a comprehensive and visually appealing report.
Firstly, I will use Microsoft Word to compile my written findings and analysis and also
use it to structure my report, including an introduction to the topic, sections on the
environmental implications of e-waste.
Secondly, Excel will be instrumental in analysing data and presenting it visually
through charts and graphs. Excel's spreadsheet capabilities will allow me to organize
this data efficiently and perform calculations.
Finally, I will utilize HTML, the language used to create web pages, to develop an
interactive and engaging online presentation of my research findings.
My target audience will be Tshwane University of Technology students, whom I will
interview through a means of a questionnaire, which will help to find out and
compare the data based on their responses, in order to further understand the
effects e-waste has on environment.
Page 3 of 10
Main question/focus question
What are the environmental implications of e-waste, and which responsible disposal
or practices could be applied in South Africa?
10 questions
Heading 1: Background of e-waste
1. What is the meaning of e-waste?
2. Why is e-waste a growing concern?
3. What are opportunities are in e-waste recycling?
Heading 2: Challenges of e-waste
4. How do hazardous materials in electronic devices pose risks to the environment
and human health?
5. What are some key challenges related to the recycling of e-waste?
6. How can people and businesses be encouraged to responsibly recycle their
electronic devices?
Heading 3: Disposal of e-waste
7. Why is it important to dispose of e-waste properly?
8. What e-waste disposal facilities and programs are available in South Africa?
9. What are some innovations in e-waste disposal methods?
10. What options are available for recycling e-waste?
Bibliography
A, K. (2017).
Kumar, A. (2017).
Page 4 of 10
Appendices
Addendum 1: Folder structure
Figure 2: Folder structure image 3
Figure 4: Folder structure image 1
Figure 3: Folder structure image 2
Addendum 2: Bibliographical info for sources
Source 1: Website 1
WEBSITE SOURCE CRITERIA MOTIVATION/EXPLANATION
Author(s)/Organisation/ Stephen Coulson Authority The author is an expert in the
Publisher field of protective coatings.
Name of website and P2i protective Currency the information is current as it
web page coatings was published in 2022
Date created/updated 04 May 2022 The information is accurate and
Accuracy
useful.
Date accessed 15 June 2024 Objectivity the information is not biased, it
offers solutions based on the
authors research.
URL Coverage The article focuses on how
https://rb.gy/9c0eg4 protective coatings can help
reduce e-waste by extending
the life of electronic devices
Page 5 of 10
Source 2: Website 2
WEBSITE SOURCE CRITERIA MOTIVATION/EXPLANATION
Author(s)/Organisation/ 3R Technology Authority The authors are a Team of
Publisher Naid AAA Certified experts in
Technology.
Name of website and Medium.com Currency The information is current and
web page useful as was updated in
2023.
Date created/updated 22 July 2023 The information is accurate as
Accuracy it details the challenges of e-
waste.
Date accessed 14 June 2024 Objectivity The information is factual and
does not contain any sort of
bias.
URL Coverage The article covers extensive
https://rb.gy/jdy5vn information on e-waste key
challenges
Source 3: Handbook of Electronic Waste Management
OTHER SOURCE
Author(s) Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad, Meththika
Vithanage, and Anwesha Borthakur
Title of source Handbook of Electronic Waste Management
Date published/issued Year 2020
Publisher Matthew Deans
Page 6 of 10
Addendum 3: Table of resources
Category 1: Background of e-waste
NO. CATEGORY QUESTION QUESTION TYPE OF BIBLIOGRAPHICAL QUALITY OF SUMMARY OF
LEVEL (1, SOURCE INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION
2, 3, 4) FOUND FOUND
1 background What is the meaning of Level 1 Website https://rb.gy/2ft6dw Good quality electronic products that are
of e-waste e-waste? unwanted, not working, and
that are at end of their “useful
life.
2 background Why is e-waste a Level 2 Book Good quality the quantity of E-waste
of e-waste growing concern? generated
globally grew up to
approximately 44.7 million
tons equivalent to 6.1 kg per
inhabitant
3 background What are opportunities Level 2 Website https://rb.gy/e1adlv Good quality E- cycling creates jobs, and
of e-waste are in e-waste repaired electronics gives
recycling? people access to low-cost
technology.
Page 7 of 10
Category 2: Challenges of e-waste
NO. CATEGORY QUESTION QUESTION TYPE OF BIBLIOGRAPHICAL QUALITY OF SUMMARY OF
LEVEL (1, SOURCE INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION
2, 3, 4) FOUND FOUND
4 Challenges How do hazardous Level 2 Website https://rb.gy/5uosbg Good Quality high levels of
of e-waste materials in electronic contaminants such as
devices pose risks to lead, mercury,
the environment and beryllium, thallium,
human health? cadmium, and arsenic
pose a risk to humans
and the environment
5 Challenges What are some key Level 1 Website https://rb.gy/jdy5vn Good Quality Skyrocketing E-Waste
of e-waste challenges related to Generation, Lack of
the recycling of e- Infrastructure, Lack of
waste? Awareness.
6 Challenges How can people and Level 4 Website https://rb.gy/zq763s Good Quality People can Reduce,
of e-waste businesses be Reuse, and Recycle
encouraged to and businesses can
responsibly recycle their Partner with Certified
electronic devices? E-Waste Recyclers.
Page 8 of 10
Category 3: Disposal of e-waste
NO. CATEGORY QUESTION QUESTION TYPE OF BIBLIOGRAPHICAL QUALITY OF SUMMARY OF
LEVEL (1, SOURCE INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION
2, 3, 4) FOUND FOUND
7 Disposal of e- Why is it important to Level 2 Website https://rb.gy/q2ntx6 Good quality Many electronic
waste dispose of e-waste properly? devices contain
hazardous chemicals
8 Disposal of e- What e-waste disposal Level 1 Website https://rb.gy/dl3qwd Good Quality E-Waste Africa, Get
waste facilities and programs are Metal & Waste, Desco
available in South Africa? electronic recyclers
9 Disposal of e- What are some innovations Level 1 Website https://rb.gy/klrg2d Good Quality Innovative
waste in e-waste disposal developments such
methods? Material recovery and
circular economy.
10 Disposal of e- How can electronic Level 4 https://rb.gy/9c0eg4 Good quality Promote the right to
waste manufactures reduce e- Website repair, Design for
waste? repairability and
recyclability
Page 9 of 10
Addendum 4: Declaration of authenticity
Learner name Student Number
Grade Year 2024
Subject Computer Applications Technology
Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Teacher Mrs Bayliss
Did you receive any help/information from anyone to complete this project?
☒No ☐Yes (provide details below)
Help/Information received
Nature of the help/information (provide evidence):
from (person):
I hereby declare that the contents of this assessment task is my own original work (except where
there is clear acknowledgement and appropriate reference to the work of others) and that I have
not plagiarised, copied from someone else or used work previously submitted for assessment by
anyone.
_________________________ 16 / August / 2024
SIGNATURE OF LEARNER DATE
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