Post on 15-Jan-2016
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By James MuloloSenior Inspector
Zambia Environmental Management Agency
A presentation to a Sixth Symposium on ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change
La Palm Royal Beach HotelAccra, Ghana
7 - 8 July 2011
Best practices and global standards related to e-waste
issues- The .African Challenge
What is E-Waste?
2
Key Stakeholders in e-Waste
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s)Importers, Suppliers and DistributorsOriginal Owners- Businesses or
HouseholdsCollectors/Middlemen/BuyersElectrical technicians (refurbish,
dismantle, recycle)National regulatory agencies
Environment CustomsPort AuthorityTelecommunications
Government (Politicians) 3
Why the problem?
4
Response to Haz. waste challenge
Bamako ConventionBan all radioactive and haz. waste imports
into Africa from non-contracting parties.Prohibits dumping at sea
Ban AmendmentProhibits 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 wasteE.g. Zambia
5
The tragedy of the commons
6
The following class of problems do not have a technical solution:Population growthEconomicEnvironmental
Misconception that the above problems may be solved by:Better agricultural yieldsBetter production methodsImproved waste removal technologies
People look for solutions elsewhere than within themselves
Waste Management Hierarchy
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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.
Waste Management Hierarchy
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Waste Hierarchy
Cleaner Production Prevention
Minimisation
Recycling Re-use
Recovery
Compositing
Treatment Physical
Chemical
Destruction
Disposal Landfill
Best practices for e-waste mgmt
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GovernmentsApply regulationsUse economic instrumentsProvide support measuresObtain external (international) assistance
Polluter pays principleEPR shall be a key aspect of new policy
developmentResponsibility of HZWM to generatorEncourages waste reduction at sourceFunds go to EPA, assistance and clean-up
Best practice - Regulators
10
The “stick”Single biggest influence on waste reductionIndustry specific regulationsProgressive stringent limitsBest practice standardsBan specific hazardous substances rather
than “one size approach”Strict enforcementHealth and safety regulations need to be
more strigent
Best practice - OEM
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Proactive participation in e-waste managementE.g. UNEP PACE working group
MotivationEconomic benefits of P2Reduced need for more stringent legislationImproved image for company
Covenants, voluntary agreementsEncourage the lease of equipment instead
of outright purchaseWork with governments to devise and
implement P2 plans
Best practices - IndustryEPR – 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
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Best practice – African region
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There is an urgent need for refurbishment and demonstration centers on a regional basisAsian experience indicates this can be doneSupport new legislation and CP developmentRaise awareness and provide practical informationMinimize perceived risks
Following the Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy o Recover functiono Recover working componentso Recover material for value added productso Recover materials as a recyclable “scrap value”
commodity Target specific waste streams or industry sectors Important in motivating SME’s
Trends in recovery n recycling
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Reasons for e-waste recovery and recycling in Africa include:Scarcity and cost of virgin materialsObsolete poverty means workers can accept
minimal wagesLarge market for goods and services
Traditional waste recoveryWaste scavengersSerious health and safety issuesInternational recovery technology not suited
to African situation
Looking ahead
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To catalyze improved e-waste management 1) Adequate legal framework is essential
prerequisite for effective e-waste management
2) Industry shall implement e-waste management
3) Government has to provide the conducive environment
4) Using both the carrot and stick w.r.t. e-waste management policy and legislation
Looking ahead - Information
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Provide free advice, manuals and fact sheets
Marketing of success storiesPublish case studies from
demonstration projects Cheap immediate access to
technical databasesInformation clearing houses Technology supplier databases
Looking ahead
Redesign the current modelClarify the definition of e-wasteAllow for regional refurbishment centersSustained funding and capacity building
to fully understand extend of problemInvolve 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
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www.mygreencampus.org
Summary
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Thank you
For further information do not hesitate to visit the ZEMA website at
www.necz.org.zmOr
Tel: +26-021-1254130Fax:+26-021-1254164
Email: jmulolo@necz.org.zm
Head Office: Corner Suez/Church RoadsLusaka
Zambia