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Where are WEee in Africa?
BASEL CONVENTION
Africa has been undergoing rapid ICT transformation in recent years, attempting to bridge this divide by importing second-hand or used computers, mobile phones, and TV sets from developed countries. The countries of the region, however, lack the infrastructure and resources for the environmentally sound management (ESM) of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) arising when such imports reach their end-of-life.
National e-waste assessments prepared in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria inves-tigated the situation with regard to e-waste looking into, inter alia, trends of EEE imports, use and e-waste generation. These trends are analyzed in the scope of more general economic and societal indicators, taking into account factors such as the Human Development Index, electrification rate, GDP per capita and the number of mobile phone subscribers and internet users.
Introductory webinars on e-waste
Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics
Green Piece Conference Brochure
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New EU RoHS finally here – significant changes for EEE on the horizon
After three years of debate, the revised RoHS Directive (65/2011/EU) has finally been adopted by the European Parliament and the Council resulting in significant changes for electrical and electronic equipment.
In 2008, the European Commission launched the review of the related directives of WEEE, addressing the collection and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), and RoHS, addressing the restriction of certain hazardous substances in such equipment. The European Commission underlined that despite existing rules, it was found that only one third of WEEE was separately collected and treated. While the revised RoHS Directive was published in July, the WEEE Directive review has not yet been concluded due to a lack of agreement between the Parliament and the Member States on several issues such as the definition of a WEEE producer or the introduction of the 65% WEEE collection target.
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Dumping Hazardous Waste on Africa's Shores
At the Maritime & Coastal Security Africa (MCSA) conference held in Cape Town from the 26th to 28th October, presenters frequently alluded to the problems posed by toxic waste pollution and the threat it poses to human security in Africa. What emerges from conferences such as these is the fact that there is a clear and lamentable dearth of knowledge in regards to the dumping, and trade, of hazardous waste in Africa. Despite these tacit acknowledgements the scale and severity of the problem remains largely unknown. All too often awareness of the problems posed by toxic and hazardous waste is only noted when it literally leaks out and causes death, disease and environmental degradation. Lamentably such incidents are likely to remain marginalised unless they catch the attention of the media, governments, businesses and researchers in the aftermath of a preventable tragedy.
One memorably infamous incident, the Trafigura scandal in 2006, stands out in this regard, in which the Dutch company sought out a country or company prepared to dispose of waste in the tanks and hold of a chartered ship - the Probo Koala. After being turned away from Amsterdam it ended up off the shore of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Despite local opposition a willing company was found to take the waste, which was subsequently dumped at various sites throughout Abidjan, leading to the deaths of at least 15 people whilst thousands suffered a range of illnesses. However, this incident refers to dumping in places where people are directly afflicted. What is of equal consternation is the dumping of toxic waste that goes unnoticed.
An especially notorious incident, particularly in the contemporary security context in which piracy off the Horn of Africa is of global concern, occurred in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami which washed ashore a number dumped waste containers along the Somali shore. A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report noted cases of deaths, disorders, diseases and malformed babies in Somalia. The UNEP report also listed substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and nuclear waste as responsible for the pollution. Illicit dumping of toxic and hazardous waste off the Somalia coast, which has destroyed many of the fishing grounds of the local population, has been cited as one of the root causes of piracy, as armed fisherman, gangs and groups tried to ward off ships that they identified as polluters of their coastlines and seas. This occurred prior to their resorting to the lucrative seizure of ships, their crews and goods.
This also occurred in an area renowned for the quantity and appeal of its fish. The lack of a functioning state to implement protective environmental legislation as well as the delicate environmental balance further compounded the problem. A significant proportion of the population, in East Africa as well as around the continent, are reliant on fish for daily sustenance as well as livelihoods for millions. Fish are especially susceptible to the effects of pollution – particularly through the bioaccumulation of harmful substances in their flesh, which are then spread throughout food chains – which mostly end at the point of human consumption. The sites at which dumping occurred are likely to have been harmed, perhaps irrevocably, for decades to come. It is a problem that needs to be attended to sooner rather than later, but who is actually responsible and what is being dumped or exported to Africa?
Toxic and hazardous wastes are inevitable by-products of processes involved in resource extraction and manufacturing, in addition to hospital waste and waste produced in the generation of electricity such as nuclear waste. Of growing concern is the harm posed to human and environmental security by the disposal of increasing amounts of e-waste (electronic waste) – mostly discarded or defunct televisions, DVD and video players, radios, computers and phones.
The disposal of e-waste in Africa is often carried out through burning, which releases carcinogens contained within the plastic casings as wells as toxins such as dioxin into the surrounding environment – often large urban areas such as Abidjan or Lagos. If it is not burned the waste is usually buried to rot. In one instance the Basel Action Network (BAN), an NGO established to monitor offences and compel greater safety, noted incidents where discarded e-waste was being used to fill in swampland. Women and children are often employed and most at risk in the hunt for recoverable waste. Once stripped of usable metals through dangerous procedures, there is significant evidence of the leaching of metals such as lead and cadmium into soil and groundwater.
Whilst the threats posed to the environment are relatively clear, the same cannot be said for the legal transfer and disposal of waste around the world. The prevalence of legal waste disposal sites in Africa reveals the fact that it has become an increasingly profitable enterprise. A global political economy of waste management and disposal has been established and Africa has become an important part of these emergent networks. This industry is set to become one of the prominent global economic processes into the future as resources diminish whilst environmental consciousness grows.
Any trade or movement of hazardous waste should be regulated by a regime of laws and conventions, both international and domestic that govern the networks of waste disposal and prohibit harmful practices. The relevant conventions in this regard are the London Convention, which prohibits the dumping at sea of hazardous waste and the Basel Convention, which places restrictions on the trade and trans-boundary movement of toxic and hazardous waste. The Basel Convention disappointed many African legislators who subsequently drafted the Bamako Convention, which bans all exports and movements of toxic waste to the continent. In addition the European Union (EU) places significant constraints upon the disposal of waste, but all too frequently containers of e-waste are offloaded legally but subsequently are shown to be full of illegal waste that becomes toxic during disposal.
A key word used in relation to waste is management, suggesting that it is possible for toxic and hazardous waste to continue to be produced in vast quantities and for it to be safely disposed of in a profitable and developmental fashion. Unfortunately at present the continuation of harmful disposal practices and the increase in the trade of e-waste show it is a far from manageable problem
Furthermore the problem of e-waste in Africa also exposes a worrying feedback loop in which the extraction of minerals in Africa contributes to conflict and insecurity. These minerals, which are integral to electronic products, are quickly dumped or exported back to Africa once the product becomes obsolete or defunct and their disposal contributes to further environmental degradation and human insecurity.
The export and trade of e-waste has had positive spinoffs such as the Ikeja Computer Village in Lagos which supplies huge amounts of repaired equipment to local markets, generating significant levels of wealth and employment. It would, however, be a serious mistake to remain indifferent to the waste trade - legal and illegal - and the dumping of waste or to presume that the benefits will ultimately outweigh the costs.
UNTV Programme Wins Top Prize at EKOTOPFILM 38th International Festival of Sustainable Development Films
United Nations Television film, “Africa: Digital Graveyard”, a segment of UNTV's monthly series 21st Century, won first place out of 20 contenders in the Current Affairs category at EKOTOPFILM, the long-running Slovakia-based international film festival focusing on sustainable development.
“Africa: Digital Graveyard” addresses the growing problem of electronic waste or “e-waste” as developed nations ship obsolete and second hand electronics to countries like Ghana. Most of the items are worthless and end up in dumpsites in Accra. The film also depicted action taken by innovators in South Africa who have found creative ways to recycle, refurbish and reprocess elements from old electronics for use as raw materials in the manufacture of new products.
The award-winning film was produced by UNTV producer Mary Ferreira, filmed by Joaquim C. Vieira and edited by Peter Mitchell.
Sonja Wintersberger of UNIS Vienna and James Arthur, a representative from the Embassy of Ghana, collected the award at the ceremony in Bratislava on 21 October 2011 on behalf of the News and Media Division of the Department of Public Information in New York. The ceremony was also attended by Slovakia's Minister of Environment, József Nagy, the Mayor of Bratislava, Milan Ftáčnik, and Chairman of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, Pavol Frešo.
Bruce Bucklin, the jury chairman, said that the jury was moved by the striking images in the film illustrating the threat to health and humanity from electronic waste if not disposed of responsibly. Ms. Wintersberger reported that the audience was impressed that manufacturers like Nokia and Sony Ericsson and others have already started to reduce and eliminate hazardous materials from the manufacturing process.
EKOTOPFILM organizers will hold a special screening of the film with other selected winners at the United Nations Office in Vienna early next year as part of the outreach effort leading up to Rio+20.
UNTV last won a prize at EKOTOPFILM in 2009, for the film "Ecuador: Model of Green Enterprise", produced by UNTV producer Patricia Chan.
To see the award-winning film “Africa: Digital Graveyard”, visit:
http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/21stcentury/2011/06/africa-digital-graveyard.html
To see more stories from 21st Century, visit:
http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/21stcentury/
e-Waste Collection Drive Gauteng Final Doc
E-waste: Recyclers, scrap haulers vie to keep U.S. computer trash home
How the federal government dumps half a million worn-out computers and countless other electronic devices every year may help expand the $5 billion electronics recycling industry.
PINELANDS' SUCCESSFUL E-WASTE COLLECTION ON HERITAGE DAY
IWMSA MEDIA ALERT: Keeping e-Waste out of landfills in Cape Town
The e-Waste Alliance (eWA), together with the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is delighted to announce its third public e-Waste Collection Drive that will be taking place on Saturday 24 September 2011. In a bid to substantially reduce hazardous e-Waste getting landfilled, the public is encouraged to bring any type of e-Waste to the offices of Engineering and Environmental Consulting firm “Jeffares & Green” (J&G), at 14 Central Square in Pinelands between 09h00 and 16h00.
What is e-Waste? e-Waste is any unwanted equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines, cell phones, toasters, microwaves, ink and toner cartridges, or any other electrical or electronic goods or direct parts thereof. Everything in the home or at the workplace that is driven by electricity, including battery operated toys, falls into this category.
Susanne Dittke, IWMSA Western Cape committee member says, “As a result of the ever-increasing desire for newer, smaller, and faster technology, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is now one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world”.
Toxic or hazardous substances in electronic waste are typically found to be heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, amongst others. Electronics also contain small amounts of gold, silver, copper, platinum - all precious metals that are in finite supply, along with plastic, lead containing monitor glass and other metals. Dittke continues, “Apart from being essential to keep as much hazardous waste as possible out of landfills, reuse of materials reduces the need to deplete precious resources.” Dittke went on to assure us that “All the e-waste collected, will be re-furbished and repaired if possible (recovery of function), otherwise dismantled for re-use or recycling (recovery of materials), and all items will be handled according to integrated waste management principles, in the most environmentally safe manner.”
eWA is calling on households and businesses to drop off any type of e-waste for free, while enjoying demonstrations about the services, products and projects offered by eWA and its members. The collection will be overseen and organized by the eWA members, ECYCLE and eR e-Waste Rescue, with support from the IWMSA and J&G. There will be the showcasing of some Waste2 Art products and the opportunity for curious children and adults to learn how to dismantle a PC hard-drive. Additionally, a raffle will be held with the great prize of a refurbished PC (HP with Dual Core & HD graphics), sponsored by Just PC’s and e-Waste2Art products for the second and third prizes.
Dittke is passionate about the role of the eWA and the IWMSA in creating awareness around e-Waste and says, “eWA provides a constructive solution to the problems associated with the disposal of electronic waste. It can often be given a second lease life for use elsewhere, or through the recovery of materials and unique components, and can lead to the creation of entrepreneurship opportunities through the development of new skills.”
The IWMSA is a professional, multi-disciplinary organisation with voluntary membership established to promote the science and practice of waste management and is a non-profit organisation. For more information contact the IWMSA visit: www.iwmsa.co.za
Study Shows Scrap Recycling Industry Supports More than 450,000 American Jobs While Generating $10.3 Billion in Revenue for Federal, State and Local Governments
ISRI has released a new study highlighting the significant economic and environmental impact of the U.S. scrap recycling industry. The study, commissioned by ISRI and undertaken by John Dunham and Associates, looks at different kinds of economic activity – jobs and exports – and both direct and indirect economic impacts at the national, state and congressional district levels.
The economic analysis shows that the U.S. scrap recycling industry is a major economic engine powerful enough to create 459,131 jobs and generate $10.3 billion in tax revenues for governments across the country, all while making the old new again and helping to protect the earth’s air, water and land for future generations.
Discord over WEEE link for PV panels
Europe: The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has voiced its opposition to regulating the disposal of photovoltaic (PV) panels under the EU’s Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), according to a report in ENDS.
EU member states have disagreed with the European Parliament’s vote earlier this year to exempt PV panels from the scope of the WEEE legislation. But in their response to a consultation document, the EPIA and another association, PV Cycle, have objected to the conclusion of a study which calls for PV panels to come under the Directive. Glass-making industry association Glass for Europe also argues that the potential impact of the inclusion proposal has not been subjected to sufficient scrutiny. According to the EPIA and PV Cycle, they will accept the inclusion of PV panels within the WEEE Directive only if the sector’s voluntary take-back scheme - based on a single European fee - is accepted as an implementing measure. Under the WEEE Directive, the fees paid vary according to the member states in which companies sell their products, the trade associations maintain. They also suggest that the proposed 65% target for the collection of all WEEE by weight does not suit PV panels because of the products’ long life-span of typically 30 years; the target is set according to the volumes of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the previous three years. Among those supporting the EU member states’ stance, European waste management association FEAD says inclusion of PV panels in WEEE would simplify the compliance measurement procedure while providing legal certainty and an incentive to invest in treatment facilities.
New law to curb trade in stolen goods
he battle against criminals in the second-hand goods industry will intensify from January 2012.
The Second-Hand Goods Act will officially be in force on the first day of next year and the government, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has vowed to make the affected industries take the new stringent laws to heart.
The act is intended to regulate the business of dealers in second-hand goods and pawnbrokers to combat trade in stolen goods. A further aim is to promote ethical standards in the trade.
Common second-hand goods traded illegally are copper cables, steel, car parts and home electronics such as televisions and DVDs.
Pieter van Dalen, the DA's spokesperson on public enterprises, said there would be nowhere to hide for illegal traders. "This act will be a major paradigm shift with regards to the law," said Van Dalen. "The specifications of the laws that will apply to the second-hand goods industry are more stringent than general criminal law."
Van Dalen was involved in the drafting of the act and saw it signed into law in 2009. He said being part of the copper theft task team made him realise how unregulated the industry was.
"In the past it was easy for someone to walk into a scrap yard and sell whatever goods they had without being asked too many questions, but now the dealers cannot just buy from anyone. The act will force them to be more responsible."
Pre-owned goods retailer Cash Crusaders welcomed the announcement that the law would be soon be effective, calling it "progressive". CEO Sean Stegmann said the regulation would bring more credibility to the industry.
Please be informed that the Waste Classification and Management Regulations, and standards have been gazetted for comments. The documents can be downloaded from the following links:
Draft Waste Classification and Management regulations
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Draft National Standards for the disposal of waste to landfill
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Draft National Standards for the assessment of waste for landfill disposal
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Umicore and Rhodia develop unique rare earth recycling process for rechargeable batteries
Umicore and Rhodia have jointly developed a unique process for the recycling of rare earth elements (REE) from Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.
This recycling process combines the capabilities of Umicore's proprietary Ultra High Temperature (UHT) battery recycling process with Rhodia's rare earth refining competences. The process can service the whole range of NiMH batteries from portable applications to the batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. It is expected that first recovery of rare earth materials could take place by the end of this year.
Congress Weighs Rules on E-Waste
New legislation in the U.S. Congress would prohibit U.S. companies from exporting hazardous electronic waste to developing nations where some computers, monitors and electronic devices are recycled in primitive conditions.
Renewing e-waste
The e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, have the potential to turn a growing problem into a development opportunity. With almost a year to go before the rules take effect, there is enough time to create the necessary infrastructure for collection, dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste. The focus must be on sincere and efficient implementation. Only decisive action can eliminate the scandalous pollution and health costs associated with India's hazardous waste recycling industry.
Research and Markets: Global E-Waste Market Report 2010-2014
Analysts forecast the global E-waste market will grow at a CAGR of 9.2 percent over the period of 2010-2014. One of the key factors contributing to this growth is stringent safety standards introduced by regulatory authorities. The E-waste market has also been witnessing E-waste Management vendors adopting careful methods to prevent biological hazards. However, the challenge of tackling growing negative effects could be a hindrance to the growth of this market.
TV Manufacturers to Hold Em in Texas
Legislators in Texas have passed SB 329, a bill that will force television manufacturers to take back and recycle obsolete televisions, keeping toxic materials such as lead and mercury out of Texas landfills and water sources.
According to the Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) - a statewide grassroots organization focused on recycling and trash issues - an estimated 25 million televisions are disposed each year in the US. Old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions contain several pounds of lead and most new flat-screen TVs contain mercury bulbs.
TCE claims that typically, less than one in every five old TVs is currently recycled in the U.S. and many communities across Texas are routinely forced to clean up illegal dumps of old electronics.
E-waste laws alien to SA businesses
Almost half of South African organisations are unaware the country has legislation that criminalises the dumping of electronic waste (e-waste).
This is according to the findings of a survey run by ITWeb in partnership with Africa e-Waste. The survey, which attracted 190 high-level IT professionals, including business owners, was carried out online on ITWeb for two weeks – from 9 May to 23 May.
It investigated whether South African organisations understand the nature of e-waste, the laws regarding the dumping of e-waste, and whether they know of legislation that has been passed regarding e-waste.
It emerged that close to half (48%) of the respondents are unaware that legislation has been passed making it illegal to dump electronic waste.
Ulze van Wyk, MD of Africa e-Waste, says the e-waste challenge will only be solved when there are public and private partnerships to address this issue. She says organisations need to understand the legal implications of disposing used or redundant equipment illegally.
DOE Statement on BUYISA-E-BAG
After careful consideration, the Department of Environmental Affairs has decided to request the Board to wind up the operations of Buyisa-e-Bag with a view to the absorption of the functions into the department. This is seen as the most practical option and is likely to pose the least risk to the accounting authority of the Department.
Buyisa-e-Bag was created as a result of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between Industry, Labour and Government during 2002 and was established in 2004/5. Its intended objectives were, among others, the expansion of waste collection networks, the establishment of rural waste collection SMMEs, creating additional capacity in NGOs, job creation, improving skills and re-skilling workers in the plastics field.
The Department of Environmental Affairs, as sole funder of the Company became concerned about, amongst others, the governance, expenditure and performance of the Company - concerns also shared amongst others by the National Treasury.
Recycling service arrives in Paarl next week
FOLLOWING the successful launch of municipal recycling in Wellington’s Ward 2, the door-to-door collection service is now being extended to Wards 4 and 15 in Paarl West.
Undercover Investigations into E-Waste Smuggling
With the global proliferation of technology continuing to snowball at an exponential rate, the issue of electronic waste has become a global problem of epic proportions. According to estimates by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), around the world some 50 million tonnes of e-waste is produced annually, of which only 10% is recycled. Government statistics suggest that the UK alone is responsible for producing some 1 million tonnes per year of e-waste, which has become the fastest growing waste stream in the country.
With such a large volume of waste to treat, and strong EU regulations in place governing the proper disposal of e-waste, it comes as no surprise that the illegal export of much of this waste is a growing problem in the UK. And the UK is not alone in facing this problem. Work carried out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that it is 10 times cheaper to ship a CRT monitor to Ghana than it is to recycle it in the United States.
However, over the past three years the UK's Environment Agency has become more proactive in tackling the problem. Intelligence led enforcement involving collaboration with the Police and Customs, as well as increased international co-operation with over 40 other countries, has been developed.
Don't let's waste waste
"TO ADDRESS the problems caused by electronic waste, American businesses, government, and individuals must work together to manage these electronics throughout the product lifecycle—from design and manufacturing through their use and eventual recycling, recovery, and disposal."
Few would question the bona fide green intent of the above statement. After all, while Babbage wrote last month that unwanted electronics have become Europe's fastest-growing waste problem, across the Atlantic the challenge is even starker. In America, scattershot state-level policies have failed to converge on any coherent action, and precious little information exists on exactly where the country's discarded gadgets are going.
Still, the expressed sentiment would probably carry little weight were these not the words of President Barack Obama, announcing last November the creation of a new inter-agency e-waste task force. Mr Obama has a track record in policies for the safe disposal of hazardous materials, having sponsored a successful cross-party bill to ban American mercury exports as a Senator in 2008.
The toxic e-waste trail from London to West Africa
The Environmental Investigation Agency and BBC Panorama use GPS to prove British electronic waste is being exported to poor African nations where it threatens the environment and human health
One of the UK's leading waste and recycling companies has been linked to the growing underground trade in e-waste after campaigners uncovered evidence that broken television sets deposited at the firms facilities were exported to Africa in contravention of regulations designed to stem the flow of electronic waste to developing countries. Merseyside-based Environment Waste Controls (EWC), whose clients are reported to include ASDA, Tesco, Barclays, the NHS and Network Rail, has admitted that electronic equipment from its amenity sites in South London ended up in West Africa and says it has taken steps to prevent this happening in the future.
Africa an e-waste dumping site?
Some of Africa's poorer countries have become dumping grounds for the world's e-waste.
So says the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), adding that an estimated 50 million tonnes of waste from discarded electronic goods are generated annually.
PA Awards Grant to Help Reduce E-waste / Furthers agency commitment to responsible electronic stewardship
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a grant to the United Nations University (UNU) to help curb rising pollution and health problems associated with discarded electronics. The five-year, $2.5 million grant to UNU's Institute for Sustainability and Peace will help authorities track shipments of North American electronic waste and provide support to nations in both Africa and Asia coping with e-waste imports, such as end-of-life computers, TVs, and cell phones. (source ewasteguide.ch)
UN Expert Meeting Charts the Way Forward on Hazardous Chemicals in Electronic Products
For the first time, more than 100 experts from around the world gathered in Vienna, Austria to make recommendations for a UN process on reducing and eliminating hazardous chemicals in the design, manufacturing, and end of life stages of electronic products. Concerns over toxic exposures during manufacturing, use, and recycling of electronic products provoked governments, the private sector, and public interest NGOs from around the world to call for the meeting at a global conference in 2009.
"Expectations were high for this meeting," said Joe DiGangi, IPEN, "and the results from the Vienna workshop provide a comprehensive roadmap that now need to be converted into actions."
Delegates developed key recommendations including: eliminating chemical hazards during design; phasing-out currently used hazardous substances; improving information transparency and flow; ensuring equal protection of workers, communities, and consumers; preventing export of hazardous electronic wastes from developed to developing countries; controlling export and import of near-end-of-life equipment; and taking the special needs of Small Island Developing States into account.
New York E-Wate Recycling Law Goes Into Effect
As of 1 April 2011, New Yorkers can recycle their electronics—computers, TVs, DVD players, etc.—at no charge. The Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which was signed into law last year but goes into effect today, requires manufacturers to take back electronics—no matter who made it—for recycling whenever customers purchase a new product.
Africa e-Waste greens the IT wastelands
Expertise and passion are the founding principles of Africa e-Waste, says founder and managing director, Ulze van Wyk.
As a veteran in the e-waste industry, Van Wyk says the disposal of e-waste, both for corporations and individuals, is neither easy nor cost-effective.
Africa e-Waste has developed a process that addresses these issues. More importantly for Van Wyk, however, is the role Africa e-Waste is playing in the preservation of South Africa's environment.
"The by-products of e-waste, when incorrectly processed, are extremely hazardous. As technology uptake booms, we need to consider the impact of discarded equipment to the environment," she says.
Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals Recommended for Trade "Watch List"
PentaBDE and octaBDE commercial mixtures are brominated flame retardants. Due to their toxicity and persistence, their industrial production is set to be eliminated under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Toti Earth Hour Event
We did not get the numbers through the stand we were hoping for, but understandable considering this was mostly a night-time event and we had to compete with the Amanzimtoti Belly Dancers and various bands.
The point was to extend the exposure of e-waste issues and we achieved that. A special thanks to Heidi (and her poor Son who was dragged along to the event) for giving 10 hours of her time on Saturday to help make this a success.
Durban Climate Change Partnership
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On Saturday 26 March, we will be joining the Toti Earth Hour Club 2011 in support of energy saving and taking action to prevent Global Warming.
eWASA and USE-IT will have a gazebo with promotional items from any members that are keen to participate.
We will have an E-Waste collection point which Re-SA has kindly offered to clear afterwards. Green Office is also providing a box for Ink cartridges that they will collect after the event.
The exhibition and event Toti Earth Hour Event is being held on 26 March 2011, from 15h00 till 22h00, at the Amanzimtoti Sports Grounds, Hutchison Park, Riverside Road, Amanzimtoti.
The stand will be manned by Chris Whyte of Use-It and Heidi Cox of PAW Tech cc, please contact Heidi on 0827064283 or Chris on 0824158138 if you’d like to get involved.
Recycling company fined for illigal exportation of e-waste
An electrical recycling company faces prosecution costs of £8,200 for illegally shipping old computers and electrical waste to Afghanistan.
The owner of recycling company Quest International, Naveed Sohail, has been convicted at Bradford Magistrates' Court and fined £1,000 for each of four offences breaching waste regulations after the Environment Agency discovered a container bound for Afghanistan contained broken computer monitors and electrical equipment.
Electrical waste can contain toxic materials, such as mercury, copper, arsenic and lead. Louise Azmi, prosecuting counsel for the Environment Agency, said the broken computer monitors were classed as hazardous waste, which could not be shipped for disposal or recovery to a non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) country such as Afghanistan.
Waste shipments abroad are subject to the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007. The UK must also comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2007.
Roy Howitt from the Environment Agency said, "It is illegal to export electrical waste from the UK to developing countries. The last thing we want is our electrical waste causing harm to people or the environment overseas; and Afghanistan does not have the infrastructure to recycle electrical items safely."
The case forms part of a larger investigation by the Environment Agency into the illegal exportation of electrical waste.
In a statement, the agency said, "It is always illegal to export electrical waste from the UK to developing countries and waste companies, local authorities and businesses have a duty of care and moral responsibility to ensure hazardous electrical waste is properly recycled here in the UK."
A man from Rochdale was found guilty in February 2011 for attempting to illegally send e-waste to Ghana in Africa. A total of 11 individuals and companies stood for trial at Basildon Crown Court on 11 March, facing charges related to breaches of e-waste regulations.
See Computer Weekly's campaign for Action Against E-Waste.
MEDIA ALERT: e-Waste Collection Day at Cape Gate Mall
The e-Waste Alliance (EWA), together with the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), and the City of Cape Town's "WasteWise" campaign is delighted to announce its second public e-Waste Collection Drive. This will be taking place at the Cape Gate Mall in Brackenfell on Saturday, 26 March, from 09h00 to 17h00.
The e-Waste Alliance is calling on all households and businesses to bring along and drop off any type of old or used e-waste, while seeing demonstrations about the services, products and projects offered by EWA and its members.
Just PCs, an e-Waste Alliance partner, will be sponsoring a raffle prize of a fully refurbished computer to a lucky participant on the day. In addition "Zibi the Ostrich" the official mascot of WasteWise will be there to help educate young and old about recycling, and how to avoid littering and dumping.
So what exactly is e-Waste? According to Susanne Dittke, e-Waste Alliance Co-ordinator, "It is any unwanted equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines, cell phones, toasters, microwaves, or any other electrical or electronic goods or direct parts thereof. Everything in the home or at the workplace that is driven by electricity, including battery operated toys, falls into this category."
With the increasing proliferation of new, smaller, and faster electronic technology, and the resultant outdating of existing equipment, electronic waste is now one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Dittke gives the assurance that "Your e-waste will be re-furbished, repaired, re-used or recycled. All materials will be handled according to integrated waste management principles and in the most environmentally safe manner."
Dittke is passionate about the role of the e-Waste Alliance in creating awareness around e-Waste, and says, "The e-Waste Alliance provides a constructive solution to the problems associated with the disposal of electronic waste. It can often be given a second lease on life by being used elsewhere, or through recovery of special materials and components. It can also lead to the creation of jobs or development of new skills in the community."
The e-Waste Alliance is a non-profit organisation which helps to coordinate responsible management of the entire electronic waste (e-waste) stream in a one-stop shop format. For more information contact Susanne Dittke on +27 (0) 21 532 0940, or +27 (0) 83 462 6665, email: envirosense@xsinet.co.za or visit www.ewastealliance.co.za or www.iwmsa.co.za
9 Greenest Laptops on the Market : TreeHugger
Ewasa selected as a member of the Durban Climate Change Partnership (DCCP) Advisory Form.
From over 70 nomonies, 30 Advisory Forum members have been selected using a selection process that has been documented and is available here
MTN Gets tough on e-waste
MTN has signed a deal with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) to manage the disposal of old cellular handsets and create development in the electronic waste (e-waste) industry in SA.
Changes to Licensing Authorities for Waste Management Licence Applications
Proposed Changes to Licensing Authorities for Waste Management Licence Applications in terms of section 43(3) of the National Environment: Waste Act, 59 of 2008 (NEMWA)
WEEE Recycling in Ontario Takes Giant Leap Forward
Claimed to be the world's most advanced e-waste recycling plant, Sims Recycling Solutions' (SRS) new flagship 287,000 square foot (26,700 square metre) facility in Mississauga, Ontario formally began operations as executives and dignitaries ceremoniously started the processing line at a ceremony attended by a crowd of over 200.
Manual Fridge Recycling Could be 100 X More Damaging to the Environment
Manually stripping ozone-depleting substances from refrigeration equipment results in an unacceptable release of CFCs, about 100 times greater than emissions when encapsulated shredders are used, finds recent research by the Öko-Institut.
Concerns arise after Canadian firms fined for illegal e-waste dumping overseas
Two Canadian companies were recently fined tens of thousands of dollars after pleading guilty in court to attempting to transport containers of old electronics and used batteries to Asia without proper permits.
EU Lawmakers Seek Stricter Rules For Electronic Waste
The European Parliament proposed stricter rules on Thursday to halt what has become Europe's fastest growing type of waste: discarded mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices.
European Union lawmakers said they wanted member states to collect at least 85 percent of discarded electronics by 2016, compared with only 33 percent today.
Uganda: Ban On Refurbished Computers Sparks the Law of Unintended Consequences
The dirty downside of the ICT industry is that computers have to go somewhere when they die and because they are full of potentially toxic materials they cannot simply be dumped in landfills. Uganda's Government has sought to tackle part of the problem by banning the import of secondhand computers and sparked the law of unintended consequences.
Campaign to teach about New Consumer Protection
South Africans will soon have a chance to get clued up on the pending Consumer Protection Act with an educational campaign planned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The campaign, which will run throughout February, aims to raise awareness among South Africans about their rights as consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, which comes into effect on 1 April this year. The Act will be implemented by the National Consumer Commission.
The cancelling or renewal of fixed term agreements, choosing or examination of goods even after purchase and delivery, as well as the returning of goods and the cancelling of advance reservations are among the areas of focus of the campaign.
The PC rare metals crisis
Smart recycling of electronic waste could stave off materials supply drought.
Your PC contains an arcane concoction of materials that are rare, hazardous and dangerous to manufacture, but what would happen if those ingredients were to run out?
Mecury Position Draft Position Paper
President Obama calls for better e-scrap management
President Barack Obama used the occasion of America Recycles Day to call attention to the growing problem of improper e-scrap management. In a proclamation issued November 15th, President Obama pointed to recent initiatives to address how the federal government handles the mounds of obsolete electronics it produces each year.
Last month, the Obama administration established an interagency task force composed of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to produce a national strategy for electronics stewardship for the federal government, which is expected to be ready around March.
An Oct. 22 letter from Nancy H. Sutley, the chair of the CEQ, to the heads of the EPA and GSA sets out the parameters of the task force – to produce a framework for the disposal of used electronics for the federal government that builds partnerships in the public and private sectors, while coming up with a plan to reduce exports of e-waste to developing countries that lack capacity to properly manage them.
Additionally, it also calls on the task force to "build capacity within and share best practices with developing countries, so they can improve their ability to safely handle used electronics, while promoting economic development."
One e-waste certification organization is celebrating the approach adopted by the Obama administration, saying that it mirrors the stance it has taken on the issue of exporting disposed electronics.
In an e-mail sent to E-Scrap News, John Lingelbach, acting executive director of R2 Solutions, writes that the direction of the task force indicates that the White House has taken a "decidedly R2-like stance" with regards to the hotly-contested issue of exporting e-waste.
"R2 prohibits the shipment of end-of-life electronics equipment containing toxic materials to developing countries unless the shipment is legal under the laws of both the exporting and importing countries, and the receiving facility is state-of-the-art," says Lingelbach. "Both R2 and the President’s Proclamation focus on what is important: ensuring that exports to developing nations only occur in situations that are legal and in which the equipment will be managed in ways that safeguard human health and the environment."
Global crackdown on illegal waste shipping promotes cross-border cooperation
A simultaneous environmental inspection initiative at seaports in June and July 2010 involving authorities from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe resulted in the detection of illegal hazardous and electronic waste and confirmed the benefits of informal international cooperation to respond to illegal transboundary movement of hazardous wastes through seaports.
Initial results indicate that, of the 72 total targeted inspections conducted during the inspection month, 54 percent were infringements.
The illegal waste streams most often encountered during the event were: e-waste wrongly declared as second hand goods, waste batteries wrongly described as plastic or mixed metal scrap, and cathode ray tubes from television and computer monitors wrongly classified as metal scrap. In 19 of the reported cases of infraction, the illegal shipments of waste were returned to the country of origin. In nine further cases, the detected waste was treated in the country of detection.
More than one dozen countries participated in the International Hazardous Waste Inspections Exercise at Seaports, an initiative coordinated by the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement’s (INECE) Seaport Environmental Security Network (SESN). Involved authorities, which included customs, environment, police and port officials, con- ducted inspections at seaports across the globe.
Project participants employed a variety of inspections techniques, including intelligence-led enforcement, at-random inspections and bilateral information-sharing. Close communication between officials in importing and exporting countries and coordination of agencies at the national level proved to be critically important in detecting and stopping illegal shipments.
“The sheer volume of containers moving through seaports makes it difficult to catch the bad guys,” said Durwood Zaelke, director of the INECE Secretariat. “It is essential to develop state-of-the-art programs for container inspection and enforcement.”
The Inspection Exercise was supported by the Secretariat of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
The SESN participants will continue to collaborate in the future to detect and deter illegal shipments of hazardous waste through seaports.
Special report Criminal gangs cash in on thriving illegal e-waste trade
The Environment Agency and Interpol are being forced to tackle the growing trade in electrical waste to stop our unwanted TVs, computers and refrigerators falling into the wrong hands
In the same month that the Environment Agency (EA) brought to court 11 people and four companies - part of the biggest investigation ever carried out into the illegal export of electrical waste from the UK to developing countries - senior agency officials insist the thriving trade can be stemmed if people take responsibility for their own waste.
At the EA's recent annual conference, Ed Mitchell, director of environment and business, said that ‘a simple change of mindset' would go as long way towards stopping waste electronics such as TVs, computers and refrigerators from falling into the wrong hands.
Legitimate electronic-waste carriers or brokers must be registered with the EA and able to show the relevant documentation to prove it. In contravention of the EU's Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) directive, however, unscrupulous waste companies are profiting from the illegal export to developing countries of electrical items that are beyond repair.
‘All you need to do is ask for evidence - a simple sheet of paper,' says Mitchell. 'If people just did that one basic thing a lot of the problem would be solved.'
Yet it seems that even some local authorities and government departments are failing to do just that.
EA chief executive Paul Leinster confirmed to the Ecologist that investigations currently being conducted into illegal waste exports have uncovered waste electronics originating from government departments. When pressed he said he ‘didn't know' from which department specifically.
In July, Plymouth city council was fined £12,000 for breaches of the WEEE directive, the EA's first successful prosecution for the illegal export of e-waste. The local authority was blamed for ‘gross negligence' for selling hazardous waste to recycling companies with ‘no questions asked'.
Greener electronics guide updated
The latest edition of the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics exposes the widening gap between companies that make good on their promises to clean up, and those that don't. While some of the top electronics manufacturers are failing to keep their environmental commitments, others are innovating and making significant gains in phasing out toxic chemicals, increasing energy efficiency, and making it easier for consumers to recycle old products.
Guide to Greener Electronics
Visit our ranking page or download the guide (PDF).
Greener TV
We applaud Philips for releasing the first TV free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). The Econova TV puts Philips on track to meet its commitment to phase out these hazardous substances by the end the year, well ahead of other TV manufacturers.
There is a growing gulf between companies that are consistently innovating and leading by releasing greener products and companies that just make big promises and excuses. As they say in the software business: you've either shipped or you haven't. By launching a PVC- and BFR-free TV, Philips has overcome the technical hurdles to removing these toxic substances from this product group. There is now no excuse for other TV manufacturers not to follow.
The dangers of PVC and BFRs
Some BFRs, used in circuit boards and plastic casings, do not break down easily and build up in the environment. Long-term exposure can lead to impaired learning and memory functions. They can also interfere with thyroid and oestrogen hormone systems and exposure in the womb has been linked to behavioural problems.
PVC is a plastic used in some electronics products and for insulation on wires and cables. Chlorinated dioxins and furans are released when PVC is produced or disposed of by incineration (or simply burning). These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and many are toxic even in very low concentrations.
Lots more PVC- and BFR-free products
New products free of PVC and BFRs have been put on the shelves by Acer, the Indian companies Wipro and HCL, and HP, which now has several lines of notebooks, desktops and most recently a PVC-free printer. In contrast, Toshiba, LGE, Samsung, Dell and Lenovo still have no whole PC product lines free from these substances.
Toshiba is served a second penalty point this year for misleading its customers about its commitments and a first penalty point is imposed on Microsoft for backtracking on commitments to remove these toxic substances. Several other companies continue to be weighed down by penalty points for failing to meet their phase out commitments, including LGE, Samsung, Dell and Lenovo.
Apple takes the biggest drop, not because it has lost any points but because several other companies have overtaken it. LGE and Toshiba, both previously amongst the leaders, now take 14th and 16th place, showing that in this fast moving and innovative sector that standing still is just not good enough.
Although scores on Waste and Recycling show the least progress overall, Panasonic is rewarded for initiating voluntary take-back and recycling of its TVs in India, the first programme of its kind for TVs outside the OECD and another first for TVs. However, the industry as a whole is failing to expand current take-back programmes to achieve global reach.
Panasonic is stepping up to the challenge of taking responsibility for its end-of-life TVs – but further company initiatives to take-back and recycle e-waste outside the rich world are desperately needed; Panasonic’s programme could jump start this process.
The Wanderings of the WEEE Man
This angst-ridden leviathan does have a message, but perhaps the expression on his face speaks volumes. After all, asking people to think about what they throw away (and how they do it) is sometimes difficult - you might even say it can be a waste of time. People do not like to be preached at. So how on earth do you make a European Union Directive interesting enough to grab people's attention? Through art? Well, it's worth a shot! So, a mysterious seven meter creature was born.
So here is the result - WEEE Man! On average a citizen of the United Kingdom will produce 3.3 tonnes of waste in their lifetime. At the same time that sounds like an enormous amount but, considering our lifestyles in the West it does seem rather small at the same time. This is only, in reality, a fraction of the waste that one person creates. In fact, it only represents the electrical waste that will be produced by an individual in their lifetime. The WEEE man weighs in at this exact weight - and as such offers a direct insight in to the enormity of the problem.
What is he made of? Firstly, large household appliances
such as washing machines and television sets make up a large part of his structure. Then there are smaller objects, such as toaster, irons, and other electrical tools. There is lighting equipment and automatic dispensers, IT and telecoms equipment and toys and leisure items, all making up this latter-day Frankenstein's monster of Brobdingnagian proportions. This guy is big! Waste is no longer out of sight, out of mind. The hope is that his birth will make people think about their behavior when it comes to disposing of the electrical equipment they no longer want.
Acer, Miss Earth take action on e-waste
Acer South Africa and Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol have partnered to install Acer eBins at six schools in Gauteng and will be working together to educate learners about the impact that e-waste has on the environment. This project builds on Acer's relationship with Miss Earth South Africa as a Gold Sponsor and official IT partner for 2010.
The eBins have been given to six urban schools since people in urban areas generally have better access to technology and thus produce more e-waste. The eBins have been rolled out at Crawford College Sandton, St Stithians College, St Johns College, King David Linksfield, St Andrews School for Girls, and Reddam House.
Learners and their families will be able to drop off their obsolete computer equipment in these eBins, secure in the knowledge that this equipment will be disposed of an environmentally friendly manner.
Acer partnered with Miss Earth in line with its commitment to do business in a manner that reduces its impact on the environment. The company is a leading champion of 'green' IT solutions that minimise power usage and wastage of resources.
Desco Electronic Recyclers is the e-waste disposal partner. Once the e-waste has been collected, it goes to the Desco plant where the e-waste is separated and categorised. Certain parts are cleaned off and sent for further processing. Metal parts are removed and the rest is crushed and pulverised into smaller pieces so that they can be recycled. Desco is a eWASA accredited e-waste recycler of ICT and Consumer Electronics (CE) waste.
Says Graham Braum, country manager of Acer South Africa and regional manager responsible for the Africa and Levant region: "Recognising that our environment is in danger, Acer aims to reduce its carbon footprint by limiting e-waste and by taking recycling of e-waste seriously. We are working hard to minimise e-waste, pollution, energy use and the use of hazardous material in the design, manufacture, and disposal of our products. "
Acer is a member of the eWaste Association of South Africa (eWASA), established in 2008 to develop and manage a sustainable environmentally sound e-waste management system for the country. For information on a collection point close to you visit ewasa.org
Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol is a green goddess tasked with taking part in greening initiatives during her reign. "The Miss Earth initiative aims to raise public awareness of environmental issues and help people to understand the ecologically-friendly lifestyle choices they can make," says Ella Bella, educational officer and project coordinator, Miss Earth South Africa.
"People can still enjoy all the benefits of modern technologies and conveniences, provided they choose responsible suppliers like Acer that are committed to reducing their carbon footprints. Disposing of e-waste in a responsible manner is
another way we can all help the planet."
E-waste policy drags its feet
By Lezette Engelbrecht, ITWeb copy editor and journalist
Johannesburg, 3 Sep 2010
The country still lacks the technology and industry standards needed to cope with electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), and risks falling behind in tacking this rapidly growing waste stream.
Chairman of the e-Waste Association of SA (eWASA) Keith Anderson says SA still has a long way to go to reach the kind of established model in other economies, such as Europe's WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) Directive.
“Not one recycler in SA, not even those accredited by eWASA, meets European standards,” notes Anderson. He adds that while e-waste is not yet a major culprit when compared with other national waste streams, it is the fastest growing. Chief communications director at the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Albi Modise says the country doesn't have the technology to properly treat all the recyclable components in e-waste.
“In addition, the costs associated with the collection and safe dismantling and recycling of the waste often exceed the value of the recycled goods,” Modise points out.
“Industry must, therefore, take up their responsibility to ensure that when their products become waste, they implement measures to safely and sustainably manage the waste stream.”
Anderson says more needs to be done to create a clear, industry-wide recycling standard.
“In SA right now, from a recycling point of view, lots of different players – tyres, plastics, e-waste – are all lobbyinggovernment for the same thing,” explains Anderson.
“But if you form an industry body where all stakeholders are represented, you can create one strong mouthpiece to government with a national recycling standard.”
According to Anderson, a meeting was held recently to establish a recycling industry body to present all stakeholders. “This has been a positive step, provided it doesn't become just another industry body, generating more red tape in government without anything actually being done.”
He adds that the effectiveness of such an entity will depend on its members. “The proof of the pudding will be in the calibre of individual representatives associated with the body. If people are only after their own vested interests and what's best for their company instead of for the industry, it will obviously be a problem.”
Numbers void
Modise notes that, although there are some refurbishment and recycling centres in operation, the majority of e-waste is disposed of with general waste in a landfill. “The department, therefore, does not collect specific data on the e-waste stream,” he says.
According to the draft National Waste Management Strategy, the electrical and electronic devices making up e-waste consist of many hazardous materials, including mercury, cadmium, and lead, which pose a risk if disposed of along with ordinary municipal waste.
While the department has no specific figures on the e-waste problem, Modise notes that eWASA had done a survey to determine the amount of e-waste generated that needed disposal in the country for 2007.
The figures show the total estimated number of new PCs, including monitors, distributed locally in 2007 stood at 102 000. This is an equivalent of 27 540 tonnes, with an expected annual growth rate of 10% to 15%. Laptops, meanwhile, came in at 650 000 total units, with 20% annual growth expected.
According to Modise, the total tonnage of e-waste to be disposed of annually is approximately 135 664 for 2007.
He adds, however, that there's a high level of uncertainty in these figures, as the timeframe for electronic products to reach the waste stream is unclear, and the levels of reuse in SA are much higher than in European countries.
“These figures will become more accurate over the next few years as the Waste Information System regulations will be promulgated in the near future, which will require reporting on hazardous waste generation and the management of wastes through various technologies.”
Best laid plans
Anderson says eWASA has been lobbying companies to join on a voluntary basis for the past few years to put together a system that works for them and present it to government, rather than legislation coming in that they are then forced to comply with.
While major manufacturers have joined eWASA as members, Anderson says some vendors are still more talk than action. “Too many companies are paying lip service to recycling, but not ensuring it's done properly. Not one recycler right now can do cradle-to-cradle e-waste recycling to international standards.”
However, he adds plans are under way to get improved recycling technologies up and running. Once these are operational, and hopefully national regulations finalised as well, eWASA intends to present a draft industry waste management plan this month.
Modise says fractions of the e-waste stream are and will be identified for the submission of industry waste management plans. “These plans are to be submitted by industry to provide details on how the industry will manage their products once they become waste and how they will finance this management,” he explains.
After consulting stakeholders on various strategic issues late last year, the DEA has amended the framework for developing the National Waste Management Strategy, to help implement the objectives of the Waste Act, which came into effect in July 2009.
According to the draft strategy, the two major emerging initiatives are voluntary take-back facilities at retailers and a recycling fee on imported goods, which may result in e-waste. This levy will be managed and regulated via industry.
Anderson says such a levy could see recycling costs come down. “Make no mistake; it costs money to recycle properly. But if you have a national take-back scheme and everyone feeds into that scheme, it's been proven in countries that have adopted this that the cost of recycling comes down year-on-year, and the number of goods recycled goes up.
“The more you recycle, the more cost-efficient it becomes.
IWMSA MEDIA ALERT: Cape Town Calls for e-Waste Collection
The e-Waste Alliance in the Western Cape are calling all households and businesses in and around Pinelands to drop off their e-waste on Wednesday, 01 September at Jeffares & Green Consulting Engineers in Pinelands between 08:00 and 17:00.
The e-Waste Alliance in proud partnership with the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) Western Cape Branch and Jeffares & Green Consulting Engineers will be hosting its first public e-waste collection and information event on 01 September 2010 to celebrate spring day.
Richard Emery, Branch Chairman for the IWMSA WC Branch indicated, “we are delighted to be part of this initiative, we will also be hosting information sessions whereby people can learn more about e-Waste. The public – households and businesses - are encouraged to bring their e-Waste to the Jeffares & Green offices in Pinelands (14 Central Square).” Susanne Dittke, e-Waste Alliance coordinator said, “the e-Waste that is collected will be re-furbished, repaired and re-used where possible, and recycled if not. All materials will be handled according to integrated waste management principles and in the most environmentally safe manner.”
What exactly is e-Waste? The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) provides a few answers and insights – e-Waste is any unwanted electrical equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines, cell phones, toasters, microwaves, or any other electrical or electronic goods or direct parts thereof e-Waste is either forgotten and stored away in cupboards, or discarded in ways where it lands up on our landfills. The fear is then that poisons that are found in e-Waste can leak into the earth and water tables, which in a cycle, can always come back to us in various forms that we ingest, be it through water or air”. Our e-Waste contains precious metals which are toxic and classed as hazardous.
The most common being Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic, but there are many more that are abundant. Lead found in old TV screens, batteries and circuit boards, causes vomiting, diarrhoea, coma and even death. In young people it can also cause nerve, blood and even brain disorder.
Mercury from Fluorescent lamps and LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) is linked to brain and liver damage. Cadmium is found in Rechargeable batteries, old TV screens and monitors, and even printer ink and toner cartridges.
Cadmium damages the kidneys and lungs, and may also be linked to osteoporosis. Arsenic is linked to skin disease and nerve damage, as well as in some chronic exposure, Lung cancer.
Years ago Asbestos was a silent killer, and when educated about it, the global community reacted and banished its use and started plans to remove it from buildings and clothing.
It’s taken for granted that every day Electronic goods are there to make our lives easier, but people are not aware of all the dangers that lurk inside it. What we now know can save us in the future; we need to have greater preventative maintenance now instead of having to find a cure later on.
The e-Waste Alliance, a collaborative effort of Capetonian businesses was borne from the need to safely manage e-waste. “The equipment will be reused if at all possible. Our companies donate a number of PCs to schools, NGOs and community members in need; the rest are typically sold into low-income households or to small entrepreneurs.
If your old equipment can’t be fixed, we’ll make sure that it will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.” Dittke indicated.
For more information or to participate, please contact Susanne Dittke at 083 462 6665 or envirosense@xsinet.co.za