With the increased technology advances that makes electronic devices becoming “trash” frequently, a Lagos-based firm, Hinckley Recycling has begun recycling operations for the safe and responsible processing of all electronic waste (E-waste) streams.
The firm established the government’s approved e-waste recycling facility in Ojota, Lagos, which is aimed at combating the problem of informal recycling of electronics that has caused untold harm to the health of Nigerians and the environment.
Over the past two decades, the global market for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has continued to grow exponentially and expected to produce over 50 million tonnes of waste globally in 2018. However, the disposal of these equipment at end-of-life poses a challenge to the environment and the country at large. Hence, the proper and responsible recycling of the E-waste is receiving a considerable amount of attention by the environmental agencies.
The informal sector consists of scavengers and scrap dealers buying electronic waste from households and companies premises. They recover value from the E-waste using crude methods, which result in harm to themselves and the environment.
Hazardous fractions common in E-waste include mercury, lead and cadmium all of which can be fatal to human health. These hazardous fractions need to be extracted and related responsibly by a formal recycler such as Hinckley Recycling. Such hazardous waste can be found spread across Nigeria in back gardens, dumpsites, markets and companies’ premises.
OEM’s such as HP, Dell and Philips have worked extensively with Federal Government Environmental bodies such National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to develop standards and for best practice of collection and recycling of E-waste. This includes developing the framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Nigeria.
The company’s Business Development Manager, Belinda Osayamwen said: “Hinckley Recycling is committed to engender a standard of excellence by providing high quality service for the disposal of electronic waste and ensuring that this service is always conducted in an environmentally friendly manner.
“The processes involved during the disposal would at all times conform to and comply with all relevant legislation as enforced by the recognized authorities-local and international.
“All E-waste processed by Hinckley is issued with a certificate of destruction recognized by an agency of the Ministry of Environment – NESREA and Lagos states – LASEPA as well as ensuring your business is legally compliant with the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act Cap HI, 2004 & the National Environmental (Electrical/Electronic Sector) Regulations S.I No 23 of 2011.”
According to her, the firm is dedicated to developing environmental standards and efficiency in the electronic/electrical waste management and recycling industry. Hinckley has partnered with a number of companies to improve and expand capacity within the business.
“For example, RDC is the world leader in asset recovery and has worked extensively with Hinckley to develop local expertise in Nigeria. In addition, Hinckley works with major OEMs to provide end of life solutions for their clients in Africa.
