Incentivising e-waste collection: A step towards a sustainable future
E-waste is electronic waste, and unlike other forms of waste, disposing of e-waste is not done anyhow because it contains chemical toxins, and as such has to be properly handled to protect people and the environment from the harmful chemicals.
Disposal of e-waste has been a challenge all over the world, especially in developing countries because they do not have the resources or funds to dispose of e-waste properly.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), e-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. In 2022, an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally. Only 22.3 per cent was documented as formally collected and recycled.
The WHO notes that “when e-waste is recycled using unsound activities, it can release up to 1000 different chemical substances into the environment, including known neurotoxicants such as lead. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable due to their pathways of exposure and developmental status.”
It is a common sight in Ghana to see children and adults actively engaged in scavenging, collecting e-waste, oblivious of the toxic chemicals and the impact on their lives. But proper disposal of e-waste is essential because its improper disposal poses serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
Consequently, reports that the government is finalising processes to start implementing an incentive-based payment system to encourage the return of e-waste to designated collection centres is welcome news (See Daily Graphic, Monday, July 7, 2025 page 60).
When it becomes operational, the programme will be part of a broader effort to manage e-waste effectively and promote a circular economy for electronic and electrical equipment.
The initiative aims to significantly reduce the environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal to promote sustainable waste management practices that prioritise human health and environmental protection.
The Daily Graphic believes that to mitigate the rapid growth of e-waste and its environmental and health risks, implementing incentives for e-waste collection could be an effective solution.
We believe the incentives for e-waste collection could encourage or motivate individuals and businesses to dispose of e-waste responsibly, reducing the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills or dumped just anywhere.
Moreover, the incentives could encourage the development of e-waste recycling industries, creating jobs and generating revenue.
Of much concern to the paper is the observation by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the E-Waste Fund, Amos Blessing Amorse, that “a lot of people do not even know that when you have e-waste products in your house and you take them to certain designated centres, you are entitled to incentives.
This is something that is not known, and so, we want to introduce it to encourage people to return their e-waste.”
A lot of awareness and education need to be created in this regard.
People should be made aware of such designated centres so that they can dispose of e-waste responsibly to protect lives and promote a culture of sustainability.
Once people get to know that they would receive incentives for sending e-waste to a designated centre, they are more likely to participate in such collection programmes and even encourage others to do the same.
It is worthy to note that the E-Waste Fund over the past year had made significant strides in implementing pilot projects, awareness campaigns and financing mechanisms aimed at reducing the harmful environmental and public health impacts of e-waste.
We urge the EPA to intensify its awareness and education programmes on risks of improper disposal of e-waste and the importance of responsible e-waste management and promote sustainable practices.
The growing crisis of e-waste all over the world behoves the EPA, E-Waste Fund and all stakeholders to ensure that the initiative of an incentive-based payment system to encourage the return of e-waste to designated collection centres takes off soon to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with e-waste and move the country towards a more sustainable future and create a healthier environment for all.
