The Alarming Growth of E-Waste.

Electronic waste or E-waste is becoming one of the fastest-growing waste problems in Kenya and around the world. With the rapid use of phones, laptops, TVs and other gadgets, more electronics are being thrown away every year. Many of these items end up in dumpsites, polluting the environment and putting people’s health’s at risk.

The problem is that most e-waste contains harmful materials like lead, mercury and plastics that do not break down easily. When burned or left in open spaces, they release dangerous fumes and chemicals. Informal recycling, often done without safety gear, is common and it exposes workers to serious health issues. At the same time, valuable materials like copper, gold and rare metals are being wasted instead of reused.

   

This is where traceability can make a big difference. Traceability means being able to follow the journey of an electronic product from the factory to the user, and finally to how it is disposed of or recycled. If companies and users know where their old devices go, they can make sure they are handled safely and recycled properly. This system also helps in holding brands and recyclers accountable, encouraging them to create eco-friendlier products and responsible take-back programs.

As Kenya moves towards a digital future, tackling e-waste must be part of the plan. With better awareness, smart policies and strong traceability systems, we can turn e-waste from a growing threat into a new opportunity for green jobs, cleaner cities and a healthier planet.