ESDS Market-Based Energy Access (E-Waste)
E-Waste Reduction in Displacement Settings
ESDS organized a web-workshop in June 2020 with relevant actors to collect ideas and explore synergies with comparable initiatives. Some of the resulting initiatives are:
The discussions during the workshop fed into the commissioning of a study by ESDS which had two principal tasks: One was to investigate the state of e-waste in ESDS’ project countries Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, the second to develop a pilot project for collecting it via a business model. The former included a review of legislative frameworks, practices of stakeholders and a mapping of the flow of e-waste, the latter had to be restricted to interviews with companies.
The study focuses on the issue of e-waste in displacement settings and highlights the lack of attention given to it. Due to inadequate regulations and a lack of integration of e-waste management in humanitarian and development operations, the study proposes the implementation of "Extended User Responsibility (EPR) systems" to hold companies accountable for e-waste disposal. A pilot business model is proposed for managing e-waste in a refugee settlement in Uganda, which aims to establish a collection mechanism and promote a circular economy. Field visits in the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Uganda are planned to refine the pilot concept and gather more data.
The Humanitarian E-Waste Network (HEWN)
The e-waste program focuses on policy in Ethiopia, capacity building in Kenya, and e-waste collection and repair intervention in Uganda. E-waste collection and repair intervention in Uganda is ongoing (currently in panning phase and aimed to be realized within 2023) in West Nile region (Imwepi and Rhino camp settlement). The activities implemented aim to shed light on the issue of e-waste within the community, raising awareness about its impact in DS. They also foster exchanges with organizations working on the same topic, serving as an advisory to partner organizations. By working together, these activities aim to improve e-waste management in DS, acquiring valuable information, knowledge, insights, solutions, and lessons learned. The ultimate goal is to achieve a certain degree of e-waste management and ensure a sustainable approach to this issue.
In 2021, SUN-ESDS established a working group called the E-waste Reduction in Displacement Settings, which was further re-named to Humanitarian E-Waste Network (HEWN). This group aims to minimize the environmental and health hazards caused by the accumulation of electronic waste in humanitarian crises and displacement situations. It serves as a platform for UN organizations, international organizations, NGOs, and others involved in the humanitarian sector to collaborate and advocate for responsible energy access and e-waste management in and around refugee settlements.
The challenge of e-waste in developing countries is daunting. With no existing waste management system, the absence of infrastructure makes tackling e-waste even more difficult. The high costs associated with waste management further exacerbate the problem, especially in disadvantaged areas. Moreover, the lack of knowledge on e-waste issues, coupled with the perception that it is a low priority, hinders progress. Insufficient treatment capabilities and facilities, as well as the absence of legal responsibilities, highlight the pressing need for measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to enforce proper e-waste management.
