Promoting effective e-waste regulation in developing countries

International E-Waste Day, celebrated on 14 October, calls on everyone this year to: “Join the e-waste hunt – retrieve, recycle, and revive!” The theme draws attention to the vast amounts of unused electronics in homes, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reviving valuable materials hidden in devices like mobile phones, cables, and other forgotten electronics.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment – or e-waste – is among the world’s fastest growing environmental challenges. At current rates, the world will produce an alarming 82 billion kilograms of e-waste annually by 2030, according to the 2024 Global E-waste Monitor, released earlier this year by ITU – the United Nations agency for digital technologies – UNITAR and Fondation Carmignac, provides technical assistance to countries that want to prepare and implement e-waste regulation.

“The full benefits of technology need to be realized with sustainability in mind,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Together with partners worldwide, we work to pave the way for a future where digital innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Rapid technological advances have brought e-waste to the forefront of global concerns. As digital innovation continues to accelerate, responsible e-waste management has become urgent.

In response, ITU and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are working together to advance and implement producer responsibility-based regulations for e-waste in developing countries.

“Globally, 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated in 2022, yet less than 23 per cent of it was recycled,” said Naif Sheshah, Deputy Governor of Strategy and Digitalization, CST, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “CST, in collaboration with ITU, is taking proactive steps to change this and promote a sustainable digital future.”

With an initial focus on Paraguay, Rwanda, and Zambia, the initiative, launched in 2023 at COP28, relies on collaboration with local stakeholders to achieve effective e-waste solutions tailored to meet local needs.

“Our impactful collaboration with CST addresses one of today’s pressing environmental issues and seeks to align technological progress with sustainable practices. Through this work, together with local partners and stakeholders, we are helping to pave the way for a better future for all,” said Zavazava.

Country-level action on e-waste

In Paraguay, ITU and CST have engaged national regulators and producers in consultations to define the core principles of new e-waste regulations. Key roles and responsibilities are being mapped out through this collaborative process, and a core team of public stakeholders has been established to help guide the consultations on Paraguay’s regulatory framework for e-waste.

In Rwanda, ITU and CST are working with a wide array of government authorities to implement a comprehensive producer responsibility system for e-waste management. Electronics producers are directly involved in shaping a circular value chain that supports both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

The project has brought together a range of e-waste stakeholders to establish key regulatory frameworks and identify the necessary material, financial, and information flows to support a circular economy for electronics.

Similarly, in Zambia, the partners are cooperating with local electronic producers and regulatory bodies to revise existing regulations. The project has started extending producer responsibility to the post-consumer stage, so that electronics can be managed sustainably beyond their useful life.

Ongoing consultations on the framework with public and private stakeholders aim to address the needs of everyone in the Zambian e-waste value chain.

A replicable e-waste approach

As the project progresses in Paraguay, Rwanda, and Zambia, it can provide a valuable model for other countries looking to address their e-waste management and sustainability challenges.

The ITU-CST partnership is committed to paving the way for a future where digital innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, ensuring that the benefits of technology are realized with sustainability in mind.

For more about ITU’s country projects to build the circular economy.

Hear from the beneficiaries

“Paraguay is experiencing an increase in the volume of electronic waste and would benefit significantly from a comprehensive regulatory framework for telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) equipment at the end of its lifecycle. A specialized project team is diligently working on developing sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the telecommunications and ICT industry, considering the entire electronics value chain.” – Ing. Juan Carlos Duarte Duré, President of the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) Paraguay

“Our recent progress in developing Rwanda’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for e-waste management has been remarkable, largely due to the invaluable support from ITU and CST. Through a multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving policymakers, regulators, and industry partners, we have established a clear vision for regulating a sustainable e-waste ecosystem in Rwanda with the introduction of EPR. As a result, we expect significant improvements in the regulatory framework, which will help unlock the full potential of environmentally sound e-waste management in Rwanda.” – Evariste Rugigana, Director General, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Rwanda

“Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in Zambia is a crucial step towards a sustainable future. With support from ITU and CST, Zambia is taking significant steps towards ensuring that we develop a comprehensive e-waste management policy, to increase public awareness, encourage the circular economy, strengthen the capacity of regulatory bodies, and increase collaboration between stakeholders.” – Hanford Chaaba, Manager for Corporate Communications, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Zambia