The political economy of e-waste dumping in Ghana

Political Economy of E-Waste

Introduction to E-Waste

While developed countries and the west, in general, continue to take pride in applying modern technology in their activities, some parts of the world seem to be losing because of the same developments in the west. The countries in the global north are pursuing modern technology in all respects possible. There are hundreds of thousands of electronic waste products that are generated from such pursuits. The electronic devices developed in these countries are largely sold in countries with a ready market to receive them. The devices come with a limited life span. They often stop functioning after their lifespan has lapsed. It follows that such devices and equipment has to be disposed off. It is this aspect of handling the products of technology that causes a major problem in some countries. Most of the devices contain metallic parts and toxic constituents. The toxins cause a major risk to the environment. Indeed, some have been cited to be the triggers for terminal sicknesses including cancer, asthma and a myriad of other health complications.

The electronic devices generated in such countries in the global north as Germany and the UK is sold to countries such as Ghana and China. The E-waste contains such toxic elements as lead mercury. Such chemicals and metals have a destructive impact on the environment and the ecosystems including harming humans.[footnoteRef:1] It's possible that such electronic waste is shipped to the receiving countries deliberately. It seems to me that the developed countries that generate such waste have malicious intent. The devices are usually sent to receiving countries in the name of goodwill donations. This essay addresses the need to address the issue of E-waste dumping by developed countries in developing countries. The motive is to find a solution to stop the suffering that poor people have to endure because of the E-waste dumping practice. [1: "Chapter 5 -- Environmental and Health Risks: Unusual Expansion of Waste Incineration in China Needs Attention," Chinese Research Perspectives Online (n.d.), xx, doi:10.1163/2213-6002_crpn_liu_9789004324596_0006.

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E-Waste Cycle and its Exportation

Efforts have been made by both individuals and groups to create awareness on the issue, and how to recycle E- waste. It is apparent, though that developed countries are exploiting their developing counterparts in this respect. There are groups that have developed certification schemes for recycling, but these could just be phonies with malicious intent and only want to create channels to allow the developed countries to keep dumping E-waste[footnoteRef:2]. The Environmental protection Agency of USA has estimated that over ae of computers that are sold in the US end up being piled in closets and garages. These computers are then mysteriously shipped to developing countries in Africa and elsewhere. [2: "Where Does E-waste End Up?" Greenpeace International, accessed February 7, 2017, http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/detox/electronics/the-e-waste-problem/where-does-e-waste-end-up/.]

The damage caused by these electronic devices, when dumped, depends on the toxins and other constituents used to manufacture them. Some pose more serious danger than others. It is clear that most of these electronic equipments do not decompose easily, and often require complex processes to either recycle or dispose them off via incineration[footnoteRef:3]. Some electronic devices that are commonly dumped in developing countries include LCD screens, TFT monitors, smart phones, computers, CRTs and electronic trackers. It has been reported that 93% of these devices are dumped in Africa and Asia. These items have also been reported to pass through many bodies masquerading as recyclers, but only ship them to cause harm in poor countries. It has been observed that only a small fraction of these devices are recycled. The rest are sent to the poor countries and end up as toxic landfills that forever keep polluting the environment and cause untold suffering among the people and other life forms in affected environments. [3: "Watchdog group tracks what really happens to your 'recycled' e-waste" -- PBS News Hour

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/watchdog-group-tracks-what-really-happens-to-your-recycled-e-waste/ "]

In terms of figures, over 40% of the electronics delivered to recycling firms in the US are exported illegally. Figures show that 96% of these exports are illegal[footnoteRef:4]. Most of these devices are not reusable. They are burnt or incinerated. The result is a myriad of toxins being released to the environment. There is urgent need to stop these developments. [4: "FRONTLINE/World Ghana: Digital Dumping Ground | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Accessed February 7, 2017. Electronic Wasteland" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuGSSuGs9jM]

Although the exportation of the electronic waste seems booming business, it should not be lost that it is an illegal practice. Indeed, many countries have developed laws to control exportation and importation of hazardous electronic materials. China is one of the countries with such clear laws. The US has been sluggish in developing such legislations. However, it is still apparent that the practice is illegal under the existing export laws. Further, the practice violates the laws of the receiving countries. It is clear, therefore, that exporting e-waste is an illegal practice and should not be accepted.

Conclusion

Electronic waste is not exported accidentally. It is carried out by well-connected and influential people and organizations. It is malicious for the developed countries to opt to export the toxic e-waste under false pretenses, including donations, just because they are unable to handle such waste. There is malice and clear ill motive. International solidarity is needed to counter these unethical and irresponsible practices. It is illegal and malicious to export toxic non-recyclable materials to unsuspecting countries under the guise of assistance. The e-waste exported to third world countries is enormous[footnoteRef:7]. People's quality of life and general health is greatly negatively compromised because of the dumping. Such practice can be stopped and should be stopped through concerted effort by the countries affected. Recycling or reusing electronics may also help a great deal. [7: Electronic Wasteland" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuGSSuGs9jM]