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Polytechnic of Namibia

PDC2014 Conference

Authors:

Ongwere Tom

Dr Hylton(MyDigitalBridge)

Dr Shawulu Nggada(PoN)

e-Waste Assessment in Namibia

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Content

Introduction.Love for e-Waste (Objectives)Global problemNamibiaRespect for e-Waste(Hazards within

e-Waste)Call for PDS & ConclusionAcknowledgement

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What is e-Waste

Also WEEE is unwanted, unneeded, obsolete. Examplecomputers,telephones, televisions, domestic

appliances laboratory

equipment fridges, air

conditioners

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Introduction

WEEE could become the fastest growing component of solid waste, in Namibia

This trend is most likely to continue given Rapid rate of technological progress Increased adoption and Subsequent decreasing life spans

With the continued potential ..there is an absence of associated regulatory framework/s on how the Namibia plans to deal with the ever increasing, envisaged e-waste

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Love for e-Waste (Objectives)

Assesse the current state Draft framework/s that will guide

proper collection Recycling/ refurbishment and disposal

This will help; reduce the risks associated reduce the environmental impacts reduce the use of raw materials freeing up much needed space raising awareness about the issues of e-waste.

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e-Waste a global & Namibian problem

1989 Basel Convention Bamako Convention (1991) In January 2007, the

European Union established an agreement (WEEE directive), EPR part.

Despite,. the majority of waste not stockpiled or landfilled but also ends up LDC

In spite of growing awareness and a number of programs

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Namibian assessment

Survey conducted on 200 households

10% dispose e-waste together

55% do not consider as waste

20% store malfunctioning

10% sell or donate 5% don’t pick

from repairers

Fridge

Washing Machine

Toaster

Micro waves

Computers

Phones

Television

Radio

Others

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Donated Repairer Sold to 2nd

Street Disposed Stored

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Respect for e-Waste..

Electronic and electrical components contain hazardous organic compounds such as toxic heavy metals, lead, mercury,

cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

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Exposure and inhalation of these organic compounds causes damage to; the central and

peripheral nervous systems, blood systems, DNA, liver, brain, kidney and reproductive system, lung cancer, asthmatic bronchitis and a skin disease

Why hate..

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Call for PD & Conclusion

There are significant health hazards in the storage, dismantling and disposal of e-waste.

Individual understanding and handling of e-waste requires much work and sensitization.

A PD approach to this sensitization is a potential approach to develop and highlight an appropriate approach.

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Thank you

Any Questions

& Suggestions are Welcome

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References

Electronic Waste Body Burden." Silicon Valley Toxics Coalitions Web site. 2009. http://svtc.org/ (accessed July, 2014).Basel Action Network. Basel Action Network. January 2008. http://www.ban.org (accessed July 24, 2014).Robinson, Brett H. "E-waste: an assessment of global production and environmental impacts." Science of the Total Environment, no. 408 (2009): 183-191

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Acknowledgement

Most sincere thanks to co-others Dr Shawulu Nggada(PoN), Dr Hylton Villet(MyDigitalBridge).

Deepest gratitude to all ParticipantsFinally I would like to acknowledge

the financial support from MyDigitalBridge Foundation and Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia