Back To E-waste in Egypt

1.1 What is E-Waste?

Waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste) covers any electrical or electronic equipment that requires an electric current, a battery, or solar energy to operate and has reached its end of life and has been discarded. This includes both working and broken items. WEEE is particularly dangerous due to toxic components that may leach into the environment due to unsound treatment practices or when landfilled.

In Egypt, WEEE is divided into eight categories:

  1. IT and telecommunication equipment: Desktops, PCs, tablets, phones, printers, servers, copying equipment, monitors, telecommunication equipment, etc.
  2. Screens and monitors: Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) screens/monitors, CRT televisions, electronic photo frames, flat screen televisions (CCFL, LED, Plasma), flat screens (CCFL, LED) / monitors, notebooks, laptops, portable game consoles, tablets, video baby monitors
  3. Temperature exchange equipment: Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, gas refrigerators, heat pump dryers and tumble dryers, heat pumps, refrigerated drinks dispensers, refrigerators, steam ironers
  4. Light sources (lamps): Compact fluorescent lamps (energy-saving lamps), discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps (fluorescent tubes), induction lamps, LED lamps, mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, sodium vapor lamps
  5. Medical devices: Radiotherapy, cardiology and dialysis equipment, blood glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, breathalyzers, clinical thermometers, cycle monitors, pain therapy devices, personal scales, respirators
  6. Photovoltaic modules: Permanently installed modules, small mobile modules
  7. Other large appliances: Large consumer electronics, large household appliances, large indoor and outdoor lights, large tools
  8. Other small appliances: Small consumer electronics, small household appliances, small indoor and outdoor lights, small tools.

1.2 E-Waste: An International Issue

 

E-waste is a rising global issue:

  • E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world.
  • In 2019, an estimated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were produced globally, but only 17.4% were documented as formally collected and recycled [1].
  • Hazard substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are common substances released into the environment if e-waste is recycled, stored, or dumped using environmentally inferior activities, such as open burning.
  • E-waste recycling activities may have several adverse impacts on human health.
  • Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. ILO and WHO estimate that millions of women and child laborers working in the informal recycling sector around the world may be at risk of e-waste exposure [2].

The lack of established WEEE management systems, especially in developing countries, exacerbates these challenges. Informal sectors dominate WEEE management in these regions, with waste collection, transportation, storage, and recycling carried out without environmentally sound practices, posing threats to the environment, public health, and infrastructure.

Additionally, the high cost of disposal in developed countries, driven by strict regulations, has led to the uncontrolled export of waste to developing nations since the late 1970s. This has raised critical global concerns, including around the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, the limited e-waste management capacity in developing countries, and fundamental equity and fairness issues.

 

1.3 Key Elements of Enabling Framework Conditions

Managing e-waste is a growing challenge in Egypt, aligning with global trends. Effective management requires a comprehensive framework addressing collection, recycling, disposal, and sustainable policies. Key elements of such a framework would include: 

1. Legislation and Policy:

  • Enact and enforce e-waste management laws and regulations.
  • Develop policies promoting proper handling, recycling, and disposal.
  • Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, holding manufacturers accountable for end-of-life product management.
  • Regularly review and update e-waste management policies and regulations.

2. Collection and Logistics:

  • Establish nationwide e-waste collection points and centers.
  • Develop efficient logistics for collection and transportation.

3. Treatment:

  • Set up and foster formal recycling facilities.
  • Encourage environmentally friendly technologies for e-waste treatment.

4. Awareness and Education:

  • Launch public campaigns on the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.
  • Educate consumers, businesses, and government agencies on sustainable e-waste practices.

5.Capacity Building:

  • Develop and deliver training programs for workers involved in e-waste management.
  • Build local technical and business capabilities for e-waste treatment and recycling.

6. Monitoring and Enforcement:

  • Track e-waste generation and management through monitoring systems. 
  • Enforce compliance and improve performance through conformity assessments.

Sources: