NamiGreen pushes recycling of e-waste
The United Nations predicts that in 2021, the global population will generate an average of 7.6 kilogrammes of e-waste, which translates into a staggering 57.4 million tons globally.
There is no doubt that the UN numbers are astounding but what is even more overwhelming is that only an estimated 17.4% of this electronic waste is properly collected globally, treated, and recycled.
This is where the International E-waste Day on 14 October 2021, comes in with this year’s focus on the crucial part each of us has in making circularity a reality for electronic products. This requires awareness creation and adequate consumer education.
That’s where the International E-waste Day helps by stating that the “Consumer is key to Circular Economy” this year is the fourth time the e-waste is being celebrated.
According to Per Hansen, founder of NamiGreen, the largest e-waste recycler in Namibia, the Covid-19 outbreak has made even more people reliant on electronic products to keep them connected with work colleagues, school as well as family and friends. This, he said, has led to an increase in the consumption of e-products.
According to a study commissioned by the European parliament, in the European Union, the demand for PCs and tablets rose by 4.6% yearon-year until the end of 2020. In this context, it is even more important to make users aware of the options that exist for their end-of-life equipment.
Hansen continued that NamiGreen welcomes the annual E-waste Day, as recycling of electronics in Namibia is a key focus for the company. “We encourage every Namibian citizen, company and organisation to recycle their old electronics.
Do not throw them out, instead, look for one of the now many recycling points all over Namibia. Simply bring the old and obsolete devices for recycling, while you are otherwise in town shopping for groceries,” said Hansen.
The International E-Waste Day was developed in 2018 to raise awareness on the recycling of electronic waste. It aims to encourage consumers to recycle their e-waste with the resulting increase in recycling rates on the day itself and into the future. Last year, 127 organisations from 51 countries participated in the International E-Waste Day by organising a wide range of events and awareness raising activities.
Recycle electronics…