What happens to e-waste in Ghana?
In Ghana, 95 per cent of such electrical and electronic waste is collected, but both collection and recycling are organised largely informally. This means that these activities are not regulated by the Government and are open to unskilled workers.
Which city in Africa is famous for e-waste recycling?
Agbogbloshie is a former wetland, which is now home to one of the world’s largest electronic waste dumps. Here, young men and boys smash and burn electronic devices to salvage the metals inside them”.
Where does Ghana e-waste come from?
But there has been a shift in where e-waste is sourced: domestically Ghana now produces its own e-waste, with imports being mainly made up of reusable electronics. Agbogbloshie often receives bad press – it’s even been nicknamed “Sodom” after the Biblical city destroyed by God for its residents’ sins.
Why are citizens in Ghana working in an electronic waste dump?
In the Agbogbloshie dump in Ghana, workers strip electronic cables in order to uncover “gold, silver, copper and other valuable metals.” Workers resort to “acid leaching and cable burning” to more easily and economically strip cables, but these practices release harmful chemicals and byproducts that impact the health …
How much waste does Ghana import?
[2] As it stands, Ghana imports 40,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year and runs the largest recycle industry on the African continent. With this inflow of waste into the country, several communities at the receiving end are displaced and face serious health implications.
Where does most e-waste go?
landfills
85% of our E-Waste are sent to landfills and incinerators are mostly burned, and release harmful toxins in the air! Electronics contain lead which can damage our central nervous system and kidneys.
Who sends e-waste to Ghana?
Upwards of 85 per cent of electronics and electrical parts imported into Ghana are from the EU, and a large chunk is dumped as e-waste after entering the country. Only 35 per cent of second-hand and waste electronics in Europe end up in official recycling and collection systems.
Where is electronic waste disposed of in Africa?
Agbogbloshie dumpsite
The Agbogbloshie dumpsite in Ghana is the largest e-waste dump in Africa, and one of the largest in the world. It is estimated that about 250,000 tons of sorted electrical and electronic wastes are dumped there annually [13]. About 40,000 people live and work within the environs of this site.
Why does e-waste end up in Africa?
The Agbogbloshie dump is a result of the world’s increasing demand for electronic equipment as consumers continually upgrade their devices and throw out the older ones. A significant proportion of this electronic waste is sent, often illegally, from the West to developing countries across Africa and Asia.
Which country is the biggest producer of e-waste?
China
Global e-waste generation by major country 2019 China is the largest producer of electronic waste worldwide, generating more than 10 million metric tons worth in 2019. This was followed by the United States where roughly seven million metric tons was produced.
Why is Ghana so polluted?
Contributors to poor air quality in Ghana include the mining, forestry, and cement industries, aluminum smelting, vehicle emissions, and waste burning. Seasonal variations in pollution exist, with highest levels occurring in December and January due to dust blowing from the Sahara Desert.
How much e-waste does Ghana receive?
Where can I recycle e-waste in Ghana?
Neweco in Ghana recycles electronic waste (e-waste) such as old computers, mobile phones, laptops, and basically any electronics you can think of. Today, Neweco works with the largest companies, organizations and institutions in Ghana to recycle e-waste.
Where does e-waste go?
A significant proportion of this electronic waste is sent, often illegally, from the West to developing countries across Africa and Asia. Around 50 million tons of electronic waste, or e-waste, is being thrown away each year, according to a report published this year by the United Nations.
What are the environmental impacts of electronic waste in Africa?
Open dumping, burning and landfilling are the predominant disposal methods used in Africa, with potential serious implications for human health and the environment. Heavy metals and other hazardous substances found in electronics contaminate groundwater and pose other environmental and public health risks.
Is e-waste in Agbogbloshie dangerous?
Sorting through used electronics is a livelihood for many in the Agbogbloshie area, but toxic e-waste poses serious health risks. Abdrahaman Daouda came to Accra from Niger two years ago. He collects used water sachets and scrap metal, and hopes to buy his own taxi one day. But when it rains at Agbogbloshie, he finds it difficult to breathe.