Socio-economic assessment and feasibility study on - Öko-Institut eV

88
August 2010
<strong>Socio</strong>-<strong>economic</strong> <strong>assessment</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>feasibility</strong> <strong>study</strong>
on sustainable e-waste management in Ghana
Give priority to directly linking Ghanaian recyclers to international recycling networks
As elaborated in chapter 4.1.7, the socio-<strong>economic</strong> benefits of international e-waste recycling
co-operations can be maximised by establishing direct links between the small scale
recyclers in Ghana <strong>and</strong> international refineries for copper <strong>and</strong> precious metals.
From an organisational perspective, the <strong>feasibility</strong> of establishing a co-operative should be
discussed with all relevant stakeholders. The possible co-operative structure must ensure
that all members will benefit from the <strong>economic</strong> gains, <strong>and</strong> additionally will be linked to the
information flow regarding health <strong>and</strong> safety issues, knowledge transfer <strong>and</strong> market prices.
If a co-operative structure of this kind cannot be established, intermediaries conducting the
trade with scrap metals <strong>and</strong> e-waste fractions should be supported. In this case, efforts
should be evenly distributed to various trading businesses in order to prevent monopoly
structures.
Improve social st<strong>and</strong>ards
Although some of the business models proposed in chapter 4 will lead to higher incomes for
Ghanaian recyclers, this does not automatically solve the social problems of the sector.
There is still the need to ensure that additional revenues are shared in a way so that also the
most vulnerable groups in the recycling chain can improve their living <strong>and</strong> working conditions.
Additionally, mechanisms must be introduced that secure the penetration of skills <strong>and</strong>
know-how on issues regarding health <strong>and</strong> safety, improved recycling technologies <strong>and</strong>
market prices <strong>and</strong> access.
Ensure rapid cash-flow
Most of the identified <strong>economic</strong> improvement potentials feature a severe obstacle for small
scale recyclers in Ghana: In contrast to the currently practiced recycling approaches, they
yield revenues with a delay of several months. As most people engaged in e-waste recycling
live with less than US$ 2 per day, it is of utmost important that also alternative business
models can guarantee them a rapid cash flow to secure their daily dem<strong>and</strong>s. This can be
achieved by appropriate micro-finance systems.
Focus on all e-waste fractions
Pilot projects should not only focus on the high value fractions such as PWBs, but also
search for solutions for hazardous <strong>and</strong> low value fractions such as CRT-glass <strong>and</strong> plastics.
These solutions could use local infrastructure <strong>and</strong> installations such as cement kilns, hazardous
waste disposal sites <strong>and</strong> the construction industry. Each identified solution should be
supported by appropriate tests <strong>and</strong> risk analysis to minimise environmental impacts <strong>and</strong> to
prevent cross-contamination.