E-Waste Operations Controller

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an E-Waste Operations Controller. An e-Waste Operations Controller oversees sustainable processes and practices to fulfil the entire recycling chain from collection, repurposing and beneficiation of suitable parts and components in accordance with circular economy-based pollution prevention and resource conservation principles. A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan, lead, organise and control financially feasible, environmentally safe, socially equitable and ethical sound e-waste recycling operations along the entire recycling value chain allowing for the reuse, beneficiation (repurposing) and disposal of e-waste. • Regularly control, monitor, keep record of and take remedial action to ensure compliance with all relevant aspects limited to the applicable legal framework thus endeavouring for environmental management compliance of systems, operations and procedures.

Currently, there are no similar qualifications at NQF Level 4 registered on the NQF. However, there are registered qualifications at lower levels (Occupational Certificate: Collaborative Recycler, NQF Level 2 and Occupational Certificate: Materials Recycler (Paper and Packaging Collector), NQF Level 3) in the space of waste recycling. The focus of the Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller is on e-waste. Computers and other electronic equipment are manufactured from natural as well as man-made materials. While some naturally occurring substances, such as chromium, are relatively harmless in nature, their use in the manufacture of electronic equipment often results in compounds which are toxic being especially harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. On average, the total weight (excluding photovoltaic panels) of global electric and electronic equipment (EEE) consumption increases annually by 2.5 million metric tons (Mt). In 2019, the world generated a striking 53.6 Mt of e-waste, an average of 7.3 kg per capita. One example of such e-waste is that globally 7,7 billion people now have mobile phones, which generally gets replaced every two years. There is 360,000 tons of e-waste produced per annum in South Africa. Of that, only 25,000 to 35,000tons are being formally and legally compliant recycled. A large portion of the waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in South Africa is stored in national and provincial government departments, business entities and households, while some leaks into the waste system is eventually disposed of in landfill sites. To address current internal stockpiles, National Government has recently developed an asset release management strategy. When these historical WEEE streams are eventually released into the system this will put additional burden on the existing and currently inadequate capacities of formal recycling service providers. Government is planning for an asset release strategy. This release of WEEE will put further current lack of capacity of recyclers. This illustrates the need for people skilled in the management of e-waste and the development of a suitable qualification thereof. In addition, on 5 November 2020 the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published regulations extending producer responsibility with regards to e-Waste. This places the onus of producers whose products will eventually fall within the e-waste category, to instil plans to manage such waste in future. Electronic waste has a potentially huge value from the materials like ferrous and precious metals, glass and plastic but it also has toxic elements and, as such, is a difficult waste stream to manage. It is also a challenging sector because of the volume of e-waste being generated. The current e-waste recyclers are not going to be able to deal with the targeted volumes. However, given that there are so few e-waste recyclers in the country that follow best practices, and given their current volumes of collecting and recycling, even if they double those volumes there is considerable scope for new enterprises throughout the value chain. E-waste and the management thereof can and will have a marked impact on the economy as a new and fast-growing industry. This qualification will address awareness about E-Waste, its impact, and solutions. As the economy grows, so will the need for skilled employees - the economic and social impact of the e-waste sector will be substantial. This qualification aims to contribute to the country's ability to manage e-waste. It aims to provide junior management with knowledge and skills in the planning, leading, organising and controlling operations in electronic waste recycling, beneficiation and disposal of e-waste in a circular economy; controlling, monitoring and record keeping, take remedial action and for compliance purposes. Typical learners include school leavers, qualifying learners from TVET Colleges and those currently in employment without formal recognition of competencies. No professional registration or licencing is expected for E-Waste Operations Controller to seek employment in the sector. E-waste Operations Controller can be employed as Waste Facility Controllers, Solid Waste Operations Controllers and Landfill Controllers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for Access to the Qualification: • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 3 qualification.

• Plan, lead, organise and control financially feasible, environmentally safe, socially equitable and ethical sound e-waste recycling operations.
• Plan and control environmentally compliant and safe operations along the entire recycling chain.
• Control, monitor, record and take remedial action to ensure compliance with all aspects of the environmental regulatory framework governing e-waste management in South Africa as well as applicable for export.