Dump site: UCT staff and students responded positively to the launch of the e-Waste Project by dumping various electronic equipment.

Unseasonal rainfall on 9 April may have soaked many in Cape Town, but that didn't dampen the spirits of staff and students who launched the UCT e-Waste Project.

The project aims to dispose of the university's redundant electronic equipment (e-waste).

At the launch, visitors dropped by to learn more about the project, or be given quick tours of the e-Waste Alliance's re-use and recycling process.

The Alliance, which aims to minimise waste and maximise resource use and job creation, is made up of independent businesses working in an environmentally responsible and safe manner. It acts as a one-stop recycling shop, looking first at the re-use of received equipment. If this is not possible, then an attempt is made to optimise recovery of materials for further downstream recycling and re-work options.

The majority of e-waste brought in during the launch took the shape of old computer parts and PC monitors. Other items included the odd kettle and telephone - including an old, wind-up ship's telephone!

All the e-waste will be removed by Waste Plan, an alliance member. The project will be phased in at UCT over the coming months.