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Identifying key strategies for e-waste in Zimbabwe
Musapindira Mlambo
October 29, 2013

The recent technological revolution and globalisation, has helped in increasing connectivity and transboundary linkages, but a new and dangerous environmental problem has been initiated in the form of electronic waste (e-waste).

Ewaste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices such as TVs, cartridges, refrigerators, printers, cell phones, computers, microwaves and other electrical appliances which would have completed their life cycles and then disposed.

An environmental disaster looms when these devices are improperly handled, transported and disposed because they contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium which pollutes both the soil and underground water.

According to the recently released United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) manual on Ewaste, the penetration rate for electronic devices in developing countries has grown exponentially over the years and in a bid to bridge the digital divide there has been an increase in the importation of second hand electronic goods to Africa. Zimbabwe has also seen an upsurge in demand for cheap electronic goods from countries such as China but some of these devices have ended up as junk.

Ewaste needs proper handling especially at their end of life cycle because they contain hazardous substances which have the potential to harm both the environment and human health. For example, an average computer may contain up to 1000 toxins such as mercury and heavy metals which damages the nervous system, the brain, causes cancer and birth defects.

It is however, unfortunate that developing countries have employed a linear approach to Ewaste management, the cradle to grave approach which means that if materials have reached the end of their lives, they are disposed. There is therefore the need for a huge paradigm shift and employment of the cradle-to-cradle approach which redirect resources destined for disposal back into the production cycle.

The lack of policy and legislation on Ewaste in Zimbabwe has also seen little action done in the proper handling and recovery of Ewaste. The Environmental Management Act (20:27) prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment but there is no specific legislation regulating Ewaste.

Zimbabwe signed the Basel Convention of 1989 and the Bamako Convention of 1994 which bans the transboundary movement of hazardous waste but like many developing countries such treaties have not been supported by local legislations.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Achim Steiner, there is a need to close the material flow by transforming waste into resources. In Zimbabwe, there are few companies that recycle Ewaste but backyard recycling and repairing of electronic devices is so common. These initiatives of reuse and recycling should be promoted.

In fact, there is the need to introduce the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) which compels manufacturers to track the life cycles of their products from consumers and employ a take back system where they will recycle the used electronic products.

For this to happen however, the existing electronic companies must be strengthened and there is the need for government and the private sector to play critical roles in ensuring that these companies operate efficiently and are able to recycle their products at the end of their life cycles. Negligence on Ewaste is also a challenge in Zimbabwe. Many people think that electronic devices cannot pollute the environment since psychologically they think that electronic goods cannot just be discarded. However, when all recovery efforts have been exhausted, these devices have ended up at the dumpsites oblivious of the dangers that they pose to the environment. To that effect, there is the need to strengthen the recycling industries in Zimbabwe so that all the useful materials from these devices are removed and reused. Ewaste also needs proper handling when dismantling the parts since hazardous substances can be released during dismantling. Lack of research work and scientific understanding on Ewaste has also impacted on the government acting intelligently in handling Ewaste issues. As such there is the need to increase environmental awareness and education on electronic waste management. Environmental pressure groups should also be at the forefront of increasing that awareness.

Organisations such as Environment Africa have been promoting the cradle to cradle concept of recycling and reuse such efforts are commendable but there is need for a collective responsibility in tackling the problem of Ewaste. Institutions of higher learning should also help in disseminating information on Ewaste through research. Zimbabwe as a country should wake up to the reality that Ewaste is a challenge and start actioning on it.

There is the need to have a standalone legislative framework on Ewaste for the country. This will help in ensuring the proper handling and disposal of Ewaste. It is also commendable that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has been doing something to that effect with its director general; Mrs Mutsa Chasi quoted in the media as drafting a document or strategy for the safe handling and disposal of Ewaste.

This strategy if completed should be properly enforced and strengthened so that everyone will have the knowledge on how to handle Ewaste and employ the cradle to cradle metabolisms. It is imperative to emphasize that sound Ewaste management requires holistic approaches and the global world must also assist developing countries in handling Ewaste. There is the need for global best practices and standards which are then supported by regional and local standards.

It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the proper handling and recovery of Ewaste. Individuals should recycle their old electronic gadgets or even donate when not in use because one's output can be another's input. A take back system into the flow chain should be introduced from production to disposal. There is the need for more Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in ensuring sound Ewaste management plans for the country.

Recycling of Ewaste will not only improve environmental health but job opportunities will also be created. With Zimbabwe's high unemployment rates, the strengthening of Ewaste recycling initiatives will go a long way in empowering people and uplifting their living standards.

As President Barack Obama of the United States rightly puts "Discarding consumer electronics creates health and environmental hazards and represents a lost opportunity to recover valuable resources," As such it is high time that a collective approach be taken on Ewaste and embracing its reality if any significant environmental progress is to be achieved in the country.

Feedback:musapindiram@gmail.com/info@environmentafrica.org

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