UN Calls for Tough Policies to Boost E-Waste Recycling in Africa

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) called upon African countries to develop fresh policies to promote proper and safe recycling of discarded electronic waste. While addressing a forum, on the sidelines of International E-Waste Day celebrations, in the Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, Abdouraman Bary, Regional Sub-programme Coordinator Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality-Africa region warned of the escalating e-waste crisis faced by various countries in the region.

According to Bary, the countries must formulate strict regulations to prevent importation of end-of-life electronic items from other countries. In addition, the state policies should provide provisions for tax incentives in order to encourage recycling of e-waste and prevent them from being dumped into landfills. The region should embark on prudent policies to tackle the growing e-waste menace in the region, he said.

The forum cited the lack of adequate e-waste recycling facilities in the region. The setting up of new facilities would ensure increased revenue through recovery of critical metals. Furthermore, it could provide job opportunities to millions of African youth. Specific legislation to tackle e-waste, rather than general laws to protect the environment from pollution is a pre-requisite to development of integrated e-waste recycling facilities.

The UN Environment extended full support to African governments to boost e-waste management efforts.