Will Cameroon soon become an E-waste dump?

Electronic waste, otherwise known as e-waste will soon become an environmental nightmare in countries like Cameroon if not properly controlled and managed. Obsolete electronic waste comprise of such equipment as old television sets, mobile phones, refrigerators, printers and now computers. Many years ago, China and India were the dumping pits for obsolete electronics by the west. However, China and India have both improved their environmental laws and Africa has become the new found destination with Nigeria and Ghana as prime targets.

There is no doubt, the proliferation of computer devices and the digital revolution has brought social, economic and technological advances in all facets of life. The downside is - some of these developments may sooner or later become an environmental, and health nightmare in Africa. One area of concern is the decrease product life of computers, newer and faster innovations in the market place all leading to rapid obsolescence and waste products. It is now common to find average income families replacing cell phones like light bulbs, and dumping old electronics devices for the latest and greatest in the market. So what happens to the old products when they are replaced by these new gadgets? The problems are further compounded by lack of regulation, inadequate e-waste management policies, and the everyday demand for anything cheap such as used electronics from the west.

In countries like Cameroon, demand for computer items has been on the rise during the last 5-10 years. There is a growing need to catch up with  most of the world in technology by upgrading private and government facilities as well as educational institutions with computerization.  It is alright to bring the society in par with the global village by making sure every office and classroom desk in the country has a computer, however the problem is the quality of computers sitting on that desk.  A cursory look at most of the equipment reveals a disturbing trend. This trend is exacerbated by Cameroonians and foreign bodies who ship obsolete computers to Cameroon without regard for long term usefulness and the environment. Most of the equipment discarded in government and corporate offices in the west stays in storage facilities after use for an average of 3-5 years due lack of functionality. One reason is to promote capitalism and because newer computer software cannot be run on these old machines due to obsolete components.  The equipment is then donated to nonprofit organizations and by the time it is installed in an African classroom, it barely has little use and serves as a toy.

In order to prevent the dumping of this obsolete equipment in countries like Cameroon, regulators have to enforce the laws in the books or develop new ones to prevent this growing phenomenon. The problem with computer dumping in Cameroon is further promoted by Cameroonians involved in the business of importing old computers. These savvy business men and women often have no knowledge of the technology they are dealing with and therefore disregard the importance of useful technology and long term environmental concerns. Although there are international laws banning the export of computer waste, some shady individuals get around these by labeling the shipments as “charity donations or usable second hand goods’.

There is no doubt, the unprecedented importation of old computers into the Cameroon marketplace and now street corners will lead to environmental pollution as evidenced in Nigeria and Ghana. Research has shown that almost 85% of these computers are total “junk”. With the lack of recycling facilities, obsolete electronics contaminate ground water, rivers, lakes, crops and thus leave a specter of hazardous e-waste mountains with grave consequences for the environment and health. A final resting place for some of this waste is backyards where they are broken apart mostly by children to salvage copper, hard drives and components that can be sold. Without proper handling, the kids are exposed to toxic waste.  The Civil society in Cameroon can start reversing this trend before it gets too late by tightening environmental regulations, implementing e-waste management policies and enforcing strict regulation  and standards on what type of used computers can be imported to the country.

This article was written by Simon Etta for MEDWC Blog.