E-Waste Dumping
The growing crisis of electronic waste.
What is E-Waste Dumping?
The illegal or poorly regulated export of broken, obsolete electronic devices from developed nations to Africa. It occurs on an enormous scale, comprising millions of tons annually.
Origins
The EU, US, and parts of Asia remain the primary sources of dumped e-waste under the guise of "second-hand goods".
Destinations
Agbogbloshie in Ghana and Lagos in Nigeria are among the largest global endpoints for these hazardous materials.
Toxic Components & Health Impacts
E-waste contains dangerous heavy metals including Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs). These severely impact the health of informal workers, children, and surrounding communities through open burning and soil leaching.