Zimbabwe’s Electronic waste time bomb, Experts warn of Health and Environmental risks

BULAWAYO- The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) has called on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to establish a comprehensive electronic waste management framework, citing growing concerns over the health and environmental impacts of improper e-waste disposal.

The surge in discarded electronic devices has sparked concerns as broken computers, phones, and other electronic items increasingly end up in regular garbage dumps.

Electronic waste encompasses a wide range of discarded devices including laptops, TVs and household appliances.

Rodrick Moyo from the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has expressed deep concern over Zimbabwe’s lack of a specific framework for managing electronic waste (e-waste).

“Zimbabwe lacks a specific framework for managing e-waste, relying instead on a general Environmental Management Act. This shortfall is worsened by the global growth in electronic gadget usage, resulting in a significant increase in e-waste.”

“As a result, the situation in cities is reaching crisis point with people burning old electronics which releasing toxic chemicals into the air.”

“Meanwhile City Councils are disposing e-waste in regular landfills due to a lack of clear guidelines,” Moyo added.

In a bid to tackle Zimbabwe’s escalating electronic waste crisis, the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) is urging Bulawayo to pioneer a solution.

The city’s rapid growth in electronic gadget usage has resulted in a significant surge in discarded devices, posing serious environmental and health risks to residents.

To mitigate this, the MIHR advocates for the establishment of specialized disposal facilities and the implementation of effective recycling, repurposing and environmentally responsible disposal protocols in the city.