Discard

To turn urban dumpsites into urban mines, there is a need to promulgate frameworks that support appropriate collection, separation and e-waste storage strategies. The training of informal collectors and their integration with a formal recycling structure and capacity building is key to sustainable e-waste management. E-waste management must be introduced across the curriculum to increase awareness and encourage responsible behaviour.

The informalisation of the Zimbabwean economy has increased activity in landfills and dumpsites where individuals earn a living from recycling e-waste. Our study investigates the state of e-waste management, raises awareness and makes recommendations to improve e-waste management. A mixed-method methodology was adopted to meet the objectives of the study. Desktop research was used to complement our methodology. The lack of regulations and policies to regulate the sector has exposed the public to environmental and health hazards when processing e-waste.

The Environmental Management Act does not explicitly include e-waste as part of toxic waste. Although Zimbabwe ratified the Basel Convention and the Bamako declaration, no frameworks have been developed to protect the public and exploit the economic benefits of e-waste. The lack of policies makes it difficult to quantify the amount of e-waste produced or approximate the percentage of non-functional second-hand equipment imported. Research reveals that individuals and organisations store non-functional EEE at their premises as there are no collection systems and storage facilities, exacerbating the e-waste challenge. Local municipalities collect e-waste mixed with other household waste dumped in municipal dumpsites. The lack of national recycling infrastructure leaves e-waste management in the informal sector, which is highly unorganised. Recycling of e-waste is through rudimentary tools and unfriendly environmental methods.

Dismantling on unfortified ground, uncontrolled dumping, and leaching releases toxic elements that contaminate water bodies and the soils within the dumpsites. Burning plastic casings and coatings to recover copper, aluminium and other minerals results in ash and dioxin emissions accumulation.