E-Waste Management Faced with New Hurdles in Tanzania

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Despite several initiatives, the East African country of Tanzania still faces a lot of hurdles in effective e-waste management. Failure to adopt latest technologies, shortage of funds and personnel and lack of commitment by various stakeholders are cited as the key roadblocks to development of e-waste management system in the country. Moreover, citizens are not aware of the ways in which electronic waste could be properly disposed or recycled.

The country lacks adequate infrastructure facilities for recycling batteries and discarded electronic items. It often exports these materials to technologically developed countries, where they are processed further. All such export loads are inspected thoroughly, so as to ensure that all safety precautions are followed. Moreover, they require approval document signed by the Vice President’s Office (VPO) to be exported to outside countries.

A recent CAG report had revealed that the country lacks comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines on e-waste management. The bye-laws of local authorities do not address e-waste issues. It also cited lack of funding by local authorities towards e-waste activities.

The audit recommends setting up of dedicated efforts by local authorities to boost e-waste management through increased awareness and allocation of funds. The country needs to keep record on amount of e-waste generated, collected, recycled, disposed and exported. The country must formulate comprehensive e-waste policy to foster proper collection and treatment of electronic waste.

This story originally appeared in www.allafrica.com