November 2005
Africa Being Turned Into Digital Dump For West's Toxic Waste
Some parts of Africa are turning into hi-tech toxic dumps because developed nations are exporting large amounts of electronic waste there says a new report by the Basel Action Network (BAN).
According to BAN, obsolete televisions, computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment which is exported to developing countries for "re-use and repair" by legitimate waste brokers and recyclers, often ends up gathering dust in warehouses or being dumped and burned on streets, creating serious health issues and environmental contamination.
In Lagos, Nigeria, locals who repair and refurbish old electronic equipment complain that as much as 75% of the imports are "junk" and not economically repairable or marketable. As a result, a lot of this equipment, which contains hazardous materials, is being discarded and routinely burned.
BAN is an international network of activists seeking to put an end to economically motivated toxic waste export and dumping - particularly hazardous waste exports from rich industrialised countries to poorer, less-industrialised countries.
The report is timely, with the introduction of the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2005 (RoHS), due to come into force on 1st July 2006 and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2004 (WEEE).
The RoHS regulations establish maximum concentration values for certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Therefore, other than for certain exemptions, the regulations will prohibit the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and types of brominated flame retardant in new electrical and electronic equipment as of 1st July 2006.
Although manufacturers will be getting toxic chemicals out of electronic goods, consumers and business who want to prevent developing countries turning into toxic waste dumps will have to be a lot more careful about what their local "recycler" is really doing.
There are a large number of organisations throughout the UK taking computer equipment and preparing it where possible for reuse or alternatively recycling components. Many are not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises who may provide benefit to the local community through employment of the long term unemployed or donation of equipment or profits to individuals or organisations in need. These organisations are worth considering by those who wish to dispose of IT equipment in an environmentally responsible way, however it is always worth asking and finding out what actually happens to your obsolete equipment.
Old computers and IT equipment can be put to good use via Donate a PC, a free online matchmaking service for individuals and organisations wanting to donate small numbers of unneeded hardware to UK based charities, not-for-profit organisations and educational establishments. The service is intended for good causes in the United Kingdom only.
When in force, the WEEE regulations aim to reduce the quantity of waste from electrical and electronic equipment and increase it's re-use, recovery and recycling. The regulations will affect producers, distributors and recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment.
It will offer another avenue for companies seeking to recycle their obsolete IT equipment as they oblige vendors and manufacturers to take back obsolete equipment on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis. For example, if a company buys one PC the vendor will have to accept one PC for recycling. They will then have to arrange for disposal or recycling of the equipment in accordance with the WEEE regulations. According to the Government's latest timetable, the WEEE Regulations - producer responsibility and retailer take-back obligations - will be implemented in June 2006.
It is expected that businesses will have to pay for the treatment of their WEEE where it is not taken back and replaced on a 'like for like' basis. Many companies have stockpiles of obsolete PCs, printers and monitors and the end-user will be responsible for disposal of the waste that vendors will not take back.
If you need assistance on meeting your legal obligations with regard to waste IT equipment, then contact Steve Stones on 024 7632 3260.
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