Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Manual Dismantler

The purpose of this part qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a WEEE Manual Dismantler. A Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Manual Dismantler tests, assesses, dismantles, and depollutes ICT equipment, large and small household appliances (excluding temperature exchange) and consumer and entertainment electronic equipment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Test, assess, dismantle, and depollute ICT equipment to determine whether it can be reused, repaired, or refurbished or must be reclassified as WEEE. • Test, assess, dismantle, and depollute large and small household appliances (excluding temperature exchange equipment), and entertainment and consumer electronic equipment to determine whether they can be reused, repaired, or refurbished or have to be reclassified as WEEE. Typical graduate attributes include efficiency and effectiveness in dismantling and depolluting WEEE and determining whether it can be recycled or needs to be disposed of. The massive challenges posed by the accumulation of WEEE and the level of pollution of the environment require people who, through their chosen occupation, will alleviate such problems experienced by society.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Manual Dismantler qualification is the second stage in the process to become a WEEE Entrepreneur. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) which is listed by the South African government into eight (8) distinct categories and classified as hazardous (unless depolluted) comprises of, inter alia, computers, monitors, printers, white appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, electric stoves etc.) cell phones, televisions, video machines, microwave machines, toasters etc. Recent estimates suggest that at least 415,000 tons of WEEE are generated per annum in South Africa. However, of that, only about 35,000 tons of WEEE finds its way to formally registered recyclers where it is recycled in a legally compliant manner. Research confirmed that a large portion of WEEE generated in South Africa is stored and stockpiled in national and provincial government departments, business entities and households and asset disposal release strategies are currently developed by government to unlock some of these volumes safely now. Assessing, testing, and dismantling and depolluting WEEE and preparing it for final treatment is key to ensuring that appropriate components and materials can be recovered in downstream processes or sent to appropriate disposal sites. Currently, assessing, testing, and dismantling is happening both in informal and formal ways. Well-established recycling companies have the capacity to perform these activities properly by observing all the necessary protocols and procedures, but the informal manual dismantler lacks most of the appropriate training and guidelines. However, both require formal training based on a formal qualification that will ensure the acquisition of the relevant knowledge and skills so that dismantling WEEE maintains the safety of people and the environment. As the WEEE sector grows exponentially, the WEEE Manual Dismantler will be in demand and will need to be trained to perform their tasks using appropriate skills and knowledge of safety. While there are several registered qualifications in the waste recycling space none deal with dismantling WEEE components. In essence, with the size of WEEE generated annually in the country, the need for a WEEE Manual Dismantler will become significant. This qualification is expected to enjoy substantial uptake. And as the WEEE sector grows, the economy will grow and so will the need for skilled employees. The economic and social impact of the WEEE Manual Dismantler on the WEEE sector will be substantial. Typical learners include school leavers, WEEE Collectors and Sorters, and those currently in employment without formal recognition of their competencies. WEEE Manual Dismantlers can be employed in WEEE recycling companies and facilities as WEEE Manual Dismantlers or can even become self-employed.

• Test, assess, dismantle, and depollute ICT equipment to determine whether it can be reused, repaired, or refurbished or must be reclassified as WEEE.
• Test, assess, dismantle, and depollute large and small household appliances (excluding temperature exchange equipment) and consumer electronic equipment to determine whether they can be reused, repaired, or refurbished or must be reclassified as WEEE.