Best practices and global standards related to e-waste issues- The . African Challenge

1. Best practices and global standards related to e-waste issues- The .African Challenge By James Mulolo Senior Inspector Zambia Environmental Management Agency A presentation to a Sixth Symposium on ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Accra, Ghana 7 - 8 July 2011

2. What is E-Waste?

3. Key Stakeholders in e-Waste • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) • Importers, Suppliers and Distributors • Original Owners- Businesses or Households • Collectors/Middlemen/Buyers • Electrical technicians (refurbish, dismantle, recycle) • National regulatory agencies • Environment • Customs • Port Authority • Telecommunications • Government (Politicians)

4. Why the problem?

5. Response to Haz. waste challenge • Bamako Convention • Ban all radioactive and haz. waste imports into Africa from non-contracting parties. • Prohibits dumping at sea • Ban Amendment • Prohibits export of haz. waste for any purpose from EU, OECD and Liechtenstein to all other parties. • Strict laws banning the import of all forms of hazardous waste • E.g. Zambia

6. The tragedy of the commons • The following class of problems do not have a technical solution: • Population growth • Economic • Environmental • Misconception that the above problems may be solved by: • Better agricultural yields • Better production methods • Improved waste removal technologies • People look for solutions elsewhere than within themselves

7. Waste Management Hierarchy • An internationally recognised waste management system. • Addresses the reduction of waste generation by prevention and minimisation through: • Innovation in product design and production • Efficiencies and conservation • Sound management in use of resources • Waste stream is reduced by resource recovery • Finally waste is treated prior to disposal to reduce the associated risks. • Shift from control of pollution to prevention.

8. Waste Management Hierarchy

9. Best practices for e-waste mgmt • Governments • Apply regulations • Use economic instruments • Provide support measures • Obtain external (international) assistance • Polluter pays principle • EPR shall be a key aspect of new policy development • Responsibility of HZWM to generator • Encourages waste reduction at source • Funds go to EPA, assistance and clean-up

10. Best practice - Regulators • The “stick” • Single biggest influence on waste reduction • Industry specific regulations • Progressive stringent limits • Best practice standards • Ban specific hazardous substances rather than “one size approach” • Strict enforcement • Health and safety regulations need to be more strigent

11. Best practice - OEM • Proactive participation in e-waste management • E.g. UNEP PACE working group • Motivation • Economic benefits of P2 • Reduced need for more stringent legislation • Improved image for company • Covenants, voluntary agreements • Encourage the lease of equipment instead of outright purchase • Work with governments to devise and implement P2 plans

12. Best practices - Industry • EPR – accepting core responsibility for e-waste as the primary generator of the products resulting in problematic e-waste later • If systematic improvements were introduced at the various stages in the product life cycle (from generation to disposal), the quantity of e-waste generated at each of the subsequent stages would be considerably reduced. • Employing a multi-sectoral, integrated and holistic approach involving all the key stakeholders, would resolve the problem of e-waste management. • A fair price tag on electronic goods that does not externalize environmental costs • Accept there is a TAKE BACK responsibility from any party that imports and/or distributes the original product as soon as it becomes “e-waste” in a country

13. Best practice – African region • There is an urgent need for refurbishment and demonstration centers on a regional basis • Asian experience indicates this can be done • Support new legislation and CP development • Raise awareness and provide practical information • Minimize perceived risks • Following the Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy • Recover function • Recover working components • Recover material for value added products • Recover materials as a recyclable “scrap value” commodity • Target specific waste streams or industry sectors • Important in motivating SME’s

14. Trends in recovery n recycling • Reasons for e-waste recovery and recycling in Africa include: • Scarcity and cost of virgin materials • Obsolete poverty means workers can accept minimal wages • Large market for goods and services • Traditional waste recovery • Waste scavengers • Serious health and safety issues • International recovery technology not suited to African situation

15. Looking ahead • To catalyze improved e-waste management • Adequate legal framework is essential prerequisite for effective e-waste management • Industry shall implement e-waste management • Government has to provide the conducive environment • Using both the carrot and stick w.r.t. e-waste management policy and legislation

16. Looking ahead - Information • Provide free advice, manuals and fact sheets • Marketing of success stories • Publish case studies from demonstration projects • Cheap immediate access to technical databases • Information clearing houses • Technology supplier databases

17. Looking ahead • Redesign the current model • Clarify the definition of e-waste • Allow for regional refurbishment centers • Sustained funding and capacity building to fully understand extend of problem • Involve NGO’s in e-waste management • Better organized, flexible and responsive in their approach, • Organize and motivate community • Enhance collaboration between the telecommunication agencies and the environmental bodies

18. Summary www.mygreencampus.org

19. Thank you For further information do not hesitate to visit the ZEMA website at www.necz.org.zm Or Tel: +26-021-1254130 Fax:+26-021-1254164 Email: jmulolo@necz.org.zm Head Office: Corner Suez/Church Roads Lusaka Zambia