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Polytechnic of Namibia
PDC2014 Conference
Authors:
Ongwere Tom
Dr Hylton(MyDigitalBridge)
Dr Shawulu Nggada(PoN)
e-Waste Assessment in Namibia
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Content
Introduction.Love for e-Waste (Objectives)Global problemNamibiaRespect for e-Waste(Hazards within
e-Waste)Call for PDS & ConclusionAcknowledgement
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What is e-Waste
Also WEEE is unwanted, unneeded, obsolete. Examplecomputers,telephones, televisions, domestic
appliances laboratory
equipment fridges, air
conditioners
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Introduction
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
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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.
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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
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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
Fridge
Washing Machine
Toaster
Micro waves
Computers
Phones
Television
Radio
Others
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Donated Repairer Sold to 2nd
Street Disposed Stored
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Respect for e-Waste..
Electronic and electrical components contain hazardous organic compounds such as toxic heavy metals, lead, mercury,
cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
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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..
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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.
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References
Electronic Waste Body Burden." Silicon Valley Toxics Coalitions Web site. 2009. http://svtc.org/ (accessed July, 2014).Basel Action Network. Basel Action Network. January 2008. http://www.ban.org (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): 183-191