Polytechnic of Namibia PDC2014 Conference Authors: Ongwere Tom Dr Hylton(MyDigitalBridge) Dr Shawulu Nggada(PoN) 1 e-Waste Assessment in Namibia

ContentContent Introduction. Love for e-Waste (Objectives) Global problem Namibia Respect for e-Waste(Hazards within e- Waste) Call for PDS & Conclusion Acknowledgement 2

What is e-Waste 3 Also WEEE is unwanted, unneeded, obsolete. Example computers, telephones, televisions, domestic appliances laboratory equipment fridges, air conditioners

IntroductionIntroduction 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 4

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. 5

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 6

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 7

Respect for e-Waste.. Electronic and electrical components contain hazardous organic compounds such as toxic heavy metals, lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 8

9 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..

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. 10

Thank you Any Questions & Suggestions are Welcome 11

ReferencesReferences 12 Electronic Waste Body Burden." Silicon Valley Toxics Coalitions Web site (accessed July, 2014). Basel Action Network. Basel Action Network. January (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):

AcknowledgementAcknowledgement Most sincere thanks to co-others Dr Shawulu Nggada(PoN), Dr Hylton Villet(MyDigitalBridge). Deepest gratitude to all Participants Finally I would like to acknowledge the financial support from MyDigitalBridge Foundation and Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia 13