Expanding e-waste recycling in Bulgaria
--Project Proposal—
October 6, 2011
A. Project & Target Community Description
The Republic of Bulgaria, a recent member (2007) of the European Union, is plagued by a
myriad of environmental problems that deter its economic and social development and
progress. One such issue is its severely limited recycling capacity and more specifically, the
lack of adequate e-waste recycling facilities in large and small cities and towns across the
country. Nationally, Bulgaria is still struggling to develop separated garbage collection and
utilization and proper disposal of electric and electronic equipment. Locally, households are
not provided with the necessary bins to encourage them to separate recyclable materials from
garbage. Bulgaria has developed traditions only as regards scrap and paper and still lacks
facilities for recycling plastics and other kinds of waste1. As a result of these inefficiencies on
the part of the government, e-waste is improperly disposed and pollutes large parts of the
country, endangering people’s health on a daily basis. For instance, CRT monitors contain
substances that are hazardous to the environment and living organisms. Since Bulgaria does
not have hazardous waste incinerators, (one common method of handling this kind of waste)
disposal of these materials is a real and great danger.
Meanwhile, the problem of improper e-waste management can be utilized to feed the growing
demand for cheap, refurbished computers and other electronics. According to a report done by
the Microsoft Corporation entitled “Refurbished PCs: Driving Social, Educational and
Business Opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe,” detailing their new initiative
(Unlimited Potential) to deliver low-cost, refurbished electronics to that part of the world, it is
reported that in Bulgaria, more than 30% of PCs sold annually are refurbished and that demand
is growing faster and faster each year. Even though Central and East European countries are
still struggling with some legacies of their communist past (such as customs barriers on
electronic imports), the ones that have already joined the EU and others who are on their way,
are experiencing great demand for refurbished machines. This change is mostly due to the EUs
legislation on electronic waste management2.
The Bulgarian government needs to legislate and enforce stricter recycling standards not only
to ensure its country’s integration into the European Union but also, and more importantly, to
set an example of its efforts to protect its natural habitat, public health and the overall image of
the country.
B. Expected Outcomes – Project Benefits, Impacts and Risks
The impacts of the project will include economic, environmental and social benefits for the
Bulgarian people. From an economic standpoint, establishing more recycling facilities in the
region will create more jobs, stimulate the economy, make use of existing materials or import
Maria Dimitrova, “First Steps in the Utilization of Electronic Waste in Bulgaria,” Radio Bulgaria, June 4, 2010.
“Refurbished PCs: Driving Social, Educational and Business Opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe,”
Microsoft Corporation Report, 2007.
1
2
refurbished/recycled material from abroad at a lower cost for the consumer, and finally,
introduce a way to receive more funding from the European Union for new projects in the field
of e-waste management. From an environmental perspective, the benefits include a decrease in
e-waste, and non-biodegradable toxins being prevented from entering drinking water, air and
soil. Socially, the project will make headway in changing people’s overall paradigm of waste
management and ensuring a safer environment for the future generations.
One risk of this initiative might be a general perception that the local population might hold
toward the origins of the project. Some people, perhaps a minority, might see the project as
imposed from the economically stronger nations and might harbor some feelings of resentment.
For this reason, it might be more beneficial to frame this project as coming primarily from the
inside and not being hoisted onto the local population. Also, the project will need to be
accompanied by a widespread PR campaign in the large cities or wherever possible. Educating
people on the dangers of e-waste mismanagement and the revenues that might be in store if the
nation takes advantage of this endeavor are two essential messages that need to be projected
before the actual project takes off.
C. Team Composition:
Marina Ivanova- mivanova@wcfia.harvard.edu
Andrew O’Byrne- andyobyrne@yahoo.com
Zakir Hussein- zakirh@me.com
D. Initial References:
1
e-Inclusion Recycling C.I.C.
http://www.e-inclusionrecycling.co.uk/
A for profit firm in Wales, U.K. They co-ordinate with local governments and other entities to
collect e-waste. They then donate some of those collected machines(Computers, and
cellphones) to e-Inclusion programs, while recycling the precious metals from the non-working
units to fund their operations. An interview with this firm or another like it to understand their
business model and practices would be very helpful to our project.
2
Elevated Blood Lead Levels of Children in Guiyu, an Electronic Waste Recycling Town in
China
Xia Huo, Lin Peng, Xijin Xu, Liangkai Zheng, Bo Qiu, Zongli Qi, Bao Zhang, Dai Han,
Zhongxian Piao
Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 115, No. 7 (Jul., 2007), pp. 1113-1117
Published by: Brogan & Partners
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4619519
An overview of some of the current problems with e-waste that is improperly disposed of and
the impact it can have on the communities where this waste is sent to.
3
Sofia - the least green capital of Europe - is still unable to handle its garbage problems
http://www.wtert.de/Default.asp?Menue=18&NewsPPV=11501
A brief article from August 15, 2011. Describes problems with the handling of waste in
Bulgaria's capital of Sofia, our target area for this problem. A recycling program for all
recyclable materials could help alleviate some of the burden that faces the city.
4
Recycling initiatives under the Globul green strategy
http://www.ecoinnovation.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138%3Arecycling-initiativesunder-the-globul-green-strategy&catid=52%3Abulgaria&Itemid=52
http://globulgreen.bg/en/mobiles-recycling/
This is an overview of an e-waste recycling program implemented in Bulgaria. Globul Green
focuses on recycling mobile phone batteries(By some estimates there are around 9.2million
mobile phones in a country with 7.3 million people.) The program seeks to raise awareness of
the pollution caused by disposing of e-waste improperly.
5
Recycling takes 24% share of treated EU waste
http://www.recyclinginternational.com/recycling-news/3430/research-andlegislation/europe/recycling-takes-24-share-treated-eu-waste
An article from Recycling International. In 2009 the European Union average for percentage of
all waste that was recycled was 24%. In Bulgaria, in 2009, there was no recorded recycling by
the eurostat.
6
First steps in the utilization of electronic waste in Bulgaria
http://bnr.bg/sites/en/Lifestyle/ScienceAndNature/Pages/0406electronicwaste.aspx
A report from the Bulgarian state radio channel in 2010 on plans to build a new e-waste
recycling facility near Sofia. Around 2million Euros will be spent to build the plant. The
hazardous waste generated in the recycling process will be passed on to a EU member country
with the capabilities to handle it properly rather than a developing country where it would
cause extensive harm to the environment and people in the communities it is sent to.
7
The potential of existing capacities for waste management in new EU member states
http://www.ask-eu.com/default.asp?Menue=20&ArtikelPPV=19283#
An article on the usage of waste materials to create concrete in Bulgaria. This saved on city
from problems with it's landfill shortage and spared the city the expense of building a garbage
incinerator to dispose of the excess materials.
8
An Economic Analysis of WEEE Policies: Case Studies from Germany and Japan
http://www.ask-eu.com/default.asp?Menue=20&ArtikelPPV=21003
This is a journal article on the economic costs and benefits of following the WEEE Directive
set forth by the EU that dictates the handling of E-waste. Germany and Japan were among the
models for the polices in the WEEE Directive.
Resumes:
Andrew T. O'Byrne Jr.
Location:
Aiken, South Carolina
Education and Work History
2008Insurance agent in life and health lines.
2011
2011of 2011
Co-owner and publisher of a daily newspaper to begin publication in November
20072009
Undergraduate student at University of South Carolina majoring in business
2009present
Undergraduate student at Harvard Extension School with a concentration in
economics
20072009
Chairman of the Aiken County Young Republicans Club
Hobbies and Interests
Equestrian sports, local politics
MARINA IVANOVA
SUMMARY
Graduate of Harvard University. skilled in foreign languages, experienced in writing, copy-editing, familiar with
history, government, religious studies, Russian and East European affairs, Buddhism, international relations.
Recognized for academic excellence, written and oral communication, web maintenance, editing, analytical
writing, news releases, events planning, language tutoring, research, administrative skills. U.S. permanent
resident.
EDUCATION
Harvard University, Extension School, Cambridge, MA
M.A. -Sept., 2011-present
Concentration:
Environmental Management and Sustainability
Harvard University, Divinity School, Cambridge, MA
M.A. - June, 2008
Concentration:
Religion and Culture with subfield: Tibetan Buddhism
Connecticut College, New London, CT
B.A. - May, 2006
Major:
Slavic Studies - Russian language, literature, history, philosophy,
government
Minor:
Religious Studies - Religion and Modernity, Islamic thought, Japanese
Philosophy
Language:
Fluent in Bulgarian, English, Russian, some Serbian, reading ability in
German, Tibetan
WORK EXPERIENCE
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University
Aug. 2008-present
Research Assistant • Faculty website maintenance, web support, web publishing, HTML
Event Coordinator • Gathering relevant data for research projects; research and source
analysis
• Editing and proofreading book manuscripts, journal articles and other
publications
• Coordinating academic conferences at the center, faculty panels, and
other events
• Organizing various center events, conferences and seminars
Andover-Harvard Theological Library, Harvard Divinity School
Sept. 2007-May 2008
Reference Desk
• Answered reference questions and introduced students and faculty to
Assistant
various web resources and software
• Facilitated student and faculty research by aiding them in finding
appropriate
Sources (mostly web)
• Maintained and organized reference book collection, including book
shelving
• Assisted students and faculty in their use of library printed and digital
resources
Hauser Center for Non-Profit Organizations, Harvard Law School
Jan.2007- May 2007
Copy Editor
• Edited scholarly articles to be published in economic and legal
journals by Prof. Elizabeth Keating, visiting lecturer at KSG and
Harvard Law
School
• Proofread articles, improved grammar, style, and clarity
• Offered suggestions on style and layout
• Served as fact checker
The St. Petersburg Times, Russia
JuneJuly 2005
Department
• Researched and edited content for major news releases for World News
page.
Editor
• Completed editing for every issue before publication on a
tight deadline
• Managed layout of World News page using appropriate
software
• Monitored print media coverage (Russian and English)
• Compiled and organized relevant news stories into folders
to be checked by senior editor
• Attended major conference on the poetry of Anna
Akhmatova at the Anna Akhmatova Museum in St.
Petersburg
• Became familiar with Chicago Manual of Style
Student Advisory Board, Slavic Studies Department, Connecticut College
Dec. 2005
Student
• Organized department events
Representative
• Managed faculty evaluations
• Initiated proposals at board meetings
Sept. 2005-
College Relations, Connecticut College
Jan. 2004- Dec. 2005
Media
• Wrote articles about students and staff for college website; web
maintenance
Intern
• Compiled data for folders and files, generated spreadsheets
• Edited articles for college website, proofread
• Conducted numerous interviews with students, gathering relevant
information for profile articles working on a deadline
• Initiated and maintained student-faculty blog for SATA Prague 2005
COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Stop Child Trafficking Now, Boston, MA
March, 2010-present
PR/Media
• Assisting in the organization of SCTNow Walk in Boston,
2010
Specialist
• Web maintenance and public outreach to sponsors
• Weekly blogging
• Handling press releases
• Editing, proofreading
SAVE, Connecticut College
Fall 2002
Member
• Organized rally regarding issues with Shaw's Marketplace
• Negotiated with dining services/GMO campaign
• Wrote articles for newspaper
• Managed Office Depot Table at Crozier Williams Student
Center
• Assisted with organization of Earth Day 2003
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficiency in Internet, Power Point, Word Processing, Excel, Photoshop, Layout, RefWorks,
InDesign, DreamWeaver, Adobe Acrobat, HTML, Adobe Flash, Illustrator, some Processing
(programming)
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Spring 2005
Student
• Curriculum included courses in art history, literature,
Czech language, and Czech history
St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Summer 2005
Student
• Curriculum included courses in Russian language, history, culture,
journalism, current events
Zakir I Hussein
188 Hampshire Grove, N.W. Calgary, AB | T3A 5B3
1-403-617-2112 | zakirh@me.com
EDUCATION
September 2011 - Bachelor of Arts – Sustainable Develop.
Environmental Sciences, Harvard University
Calgary, AB
September 2007- Bachelor of Science – P. Geology.
Geological Sciences, University of Calgary
Calgary, AB
EXPERIENCE
July.‘10 – Present Founder, Alberta Clean Tech Ltd.
Alberta’s waste oil collection agency focusing on alternative energy such as biofuel for North America.
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May. ‘09 – Present
Preparation of various financial statements, analyzing both financial strengths and
weaknesses of the company and making on-going recommendations
Determining benchmarks for specific product categories and executing a strategic
plan to meet budgetary goals
Constant financial analysis of company assets and continuous observation of
product purchasing
Maintaining a strong financial structure for the company, thus allowing for
expansion and growth
On-going team work with staff to ensure financial goals and expectations are
being achieved on a monthly basis
CEO, Organo Energy Inc.
One of Canada’s R&D firms focusing on reducing Green House Emissions – consisting of over 5 Patents Pending
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PERSONAL
May. ‘11 – Present
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Developed and executed the strategic plan for the company’s short and long term
goals
Increased annual revenues in the second operating year by more than %
Increased profit margins by % on average and designed a continuous purchasing
plan, which consistently yielded a positive return each year
Analyzed the operational results of the corporation and identified new
opportunities for future development
President, SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise)
Calgary, AB
A non-profit, student run, business organization that develops positive initiatives within the community to do good
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Directing 150+ members and 13 projects, creating $420,000 of economic
opportunity
Implemented a mentorship program to aid the relationship between board
members and project managers
Helped projects connect with corporate sponsors and partners including E&Y,
ConocoPhillips and Worley Parsons
Developed the strategic plan, helping to maintain the long term sustainability of
the organization
Sept. ‘09 – Apr. ‘10 SIFE Calgary Board Member, Push Project
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Oct. ‘02 – Jul. ‘15
Calgary, AB
Helped plan and organize events throughout the year that encourage participation
from
500+ youth and adult members
Created and developed effective ways to ensure the partnership met the
expectations of its members and achieved its short-term goals
Ensured that SIFE Calgary was continuously integrated in the partnership and
fulfilled its obligations
Volunteer & Sponsor, Dreams Take Flight (Calgary)
Calgary, AB
A not-for-profit organization that sends 138 under privileged children to Disneyland for a day
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Proposed ideas and marketed events to send 138 under-privileged and chronically
ill children to Disneyland for a day
Actively volunteered for events throughout the year: Cardel Golf Tournament,
Black Tie Blue Jeans
Help contributed to charity funding by donating event tickets on behalf of Ticket
Spectrum
Interests include: Travelling abroad, launching new companies, golfing, soccer, attending seminars,
events and volunteering