Electronic waste and the need for secure disposal mechanisms

Technology is ever changing and, by so doing, improving lives.

However due to a proliferation of electronic gadgets and equipment, there is electronic waste resulting from discarded machines and obsolescence.

Electronic waste or e-waste is a growing threat in most economies as more gadgets reach the end of their lives or break down beyond repair.

In a report released by Unep last year, global e-waste generation is growing by about 40 million tonnes yearly. It illustrates how electronic gadgets contribute to this menace.

In Kenya, for example, the annual estimates of e-waste include 11,400 tonnes from refrigerators, 2,800 tonnes from TVs, 2,500 tonnes from PCs and 150 tonnes from mobile phones.

Other countries like China and USA produce about 2.3 million tonnes and 3 million tonnes of electronic waste, respectively.

Unep predicts an increase in e-waste in the future as sales of electronic gadgets plummet against lack of comprehensive mechanisms of recycling, proper disposal and general handling of e-waste.

Out of the millions of tonnes of e-waste generated globally, a paltry 10 per cent is recycled, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme.

The case for electronic waste is exacerbated in developing countries when traders and some companies from the West and East dump their e-waste illegally in the Third World.

A recent report by Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) reveals how some UK companies are exporting e-waste to West African nations.

Arrival of obsolete and old electronics into the African markets from abroad puts the continent in the dilemma of handling the resulting e-waste, given its low level of recycling and e-waste handling technologies.

The electronic waste from EU countries flows through two common chains; the business to business and business to consumer chains.

Companies and business agents dealing in imported second hand electronics or refurbished gadgets might not realise that they are part of the chain that could be trafficking electronic waste.

Electronic waste in Africa has a genesis in fake and substandard electronic products whose life is short. Fake electronics drive consumers into frequent replacements, hence leading to a pile-up of discarded gadgets.

Due to the activities of unscrupulous manufactures and traders, most African markets are awash with fake electronic gadgets. There are millions of fake phones, TVs and other consumer gadgets.

In the Kenyan mobile sector, an estimated 4.4 million mobile users are using fake phones.

Frankly speaking, fake electronics translate to tonnes of electronic waste, given the gadgets’ unpredictable short life and frequency of break-down.

Insidious danger

E-waste is a growing problem in waste disposal systems all over the world and hence a threat to thousands of lives.

Millions of electronic gadgets are dumped in the landfills after their end of life while others are a common spectre in open dump sites.

As electronic waste accumulates day by day, countries face challenges of recycling and mitigating the impacts on the environment and human health.

Electronic gadgets are made up of various components, some containing toxic substances. Waste from electronic gadgets can be highly hazardous to both human beings and the environment.

Cathode ray tube (CRT) for both old-design desk top computer monitors and televisions contain substantial amounts of lead.

Mobile phones, TVs, computers, radios and other consumer gadgets have electronic components manufactured from dangerous metals and chemicals.

Arsenic is used in integrated circuit boards, lead oxide is used in CRTs, while mercury is used in florescent lighting and flat screens. The list is long.

Electronic gadgets also have traces of selenium, cadmium, beryllium and phthalates, also known as plasticisers. Metals and chemicals used in electronic gadgets usually end up in land-fills or in the food chain.

Consequences of poor electronic waste management have a far reaching effect that includes ecological, economic and social impacts.

Fumes from burning e-waste can lead to respiratory problems. The toxicity and radioactive nature of some e-waste material contaminate soil and water sources when dumped in landfills.

Although appearing in small amounts, some components in e-waste have a direct impact on human health. Lead, cadmium and mercury are potentially carcinogenic to the human body.

Hazards of electronic waste can be mitigated through consumer awareness, legislation and entrenchment of proper handling mechanisms.

ICT companies can channel their input in the war against e-waste through active participation in the recycling and disposal programmes.

There is also need for sound policies on management of e-waste with substantial adherence and reinforcement of relevant regulations.

The writer is a telecommunication engineer. [email protected]