By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali/Rwanda
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has issued a warning regarding the dangers of poor electronic waste management, highlighting that these items can turn into poison if not properly handled and managed through designated channels. This was emphasized by Beatha Akimpaye, the Environmental Compliance Officer at REMA, who pointed out that how this waste is handled plays a critical role in public safety.
She stated: “There are many types of waste, including these electronic devices that are end-of-life. We must value this waste and know how to handle it so that it does not turn into poison and damage our health.”
This message focused on finding sustainable solutions for managing waste containing chemicals like mercury, which can damage both the environment and health. Ngirabakunzi Octave, in charge of Environmental Education and Climate Change at REMA, emphasized that waste is a serious problem threatening life and urged that it should not be taken lightly.
He stated: “Research has shown that when it enters the human body, it damages the brain and can cause cancer. We encourage people working in waste collection and processing to protect themselves by wearing protective gear so that their bodies are not affected by this waste.”
The General Manager of Enviroserve, Olivier Mbera, highlighted that common household electronics such as phones, televisions, and irons contain the chemical mercury, which damages the environment. He noted that the factory assists citizens in collecting them through collection centers established across the country.
He said: “These electronic devices come in different types, but we often see phones, TVs, irons, and others, all of which contain mercury. That is why we have collection centers everywhere to gather these old devices so they don’t damage the environment. Furthermore, we buy them, so people should approach us and let us help them.”
Protecting human health through the sound management of hazardous waste is a cornerstone of safety, especially since this waste, originating from industries and companies, possesses characteristics that can cause serious risks such as explosions or the release of toxic gases. These danger signs are demonstrated by properties such as reactivity and toxicity, where it can even explode when exposed to water, heat, or pressure.
Prevention is possible through the proper collection, transportation, treatment, and safe disposal of this waste.
The primary goal is to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution, as reinforced by Law No. 48/2018, which supports the sound management of chemicals in Rwanda.
The Enviroserve plant, operating in Bugesera District since 2018, has collected over 8,000 tons of waste, of which 22.3% is processed and recycled into other useful materials. These activities are supported by REMA as part of the effort to reduce pollution and protect biodiversity in Rwanda.
