By Naseerah Nanabhai

25:11:2020

E-waste also referred to as electronic scrap is all forms of discarded electrical or electronic devices. Informal disposing and processing of e-waste can lead to adverse human effects and environmental pollution.

E-waste is regarded as the fastest- growing waste stream in the world, with millions of tonnes generated each year. Rapid changes in technology, including the obsolescence of older devices, is a primary cause of the ever-increasing amount of e-waste. But this year the pandemic has also severely increased the amount e-waste produced.

The shift in working patterns prompted by COVID-19 has caused a flood of technology investment. As almost all enterprises went on a shopping spree to support their remote workforce, creating potential mountains of e-waste. More than 53 million metric tonnes of e-waste was produced globally in 2019 and this year it is expected to reach 60 million metric tonnes.

While e-waste can be disposed of by burial, burning or dissolution all processes require proper containment to prevent contamination of air, groundwater or soil with heavy metal such as lead or cadmium.

In Zambia, Airtel Networks has partnered with Ericsson on a ‘Product Take-Back’ program to minimize the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical equipment. The program ensures that end-of-life material is treated and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.

E-waste, not recycled properly, is an under-acknowledged environmental hazard around the world. Appropriate disposals of e-waste must be adhered to reduce the environmental impact.