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?

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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?

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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

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The tragedy of the commons

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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

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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