REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND ICT
RWANDA E-WASTE POLICY
FINAL DRAFT
June 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...................................................................................... 5
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER I: BACKGROUND ................................................................................................ 7
1.1
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7
1.2
Main Problems and Risks Regarding E-waste ................................................................ 7
1.3
E-waste Characteristics, Environmental and Health Risks ............................................... 8
1.3.1 E-waste Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 8
1.3.2 Environmental and Health risks ............................................................................................ 8
1.4
E-waste Management in Neighbouring Countries and Region .......................................... 9
1.5
ICT development in Rwanda ........................................................................................ 9
CHAPTER II: CURRENT STATUS OF THE E-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN RWANDA............ 9
2.1
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 9
2.2
Current Institutional Framework ................................................................................. 10
2.3
Current Legislative Framework .................................................................................. 10
2.4
Obligations under Regional and International Treaties .................................................. 11
2.5
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) ................................................................. 11
2.5.1
Amount of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) ................................................ 11
2.5.2
Amount of E-waste Generated ....................................................................................... 13
2.5.3
Current Operations ......................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER III: NEED FOR THE POLICY ............................................................................... 13
CHAPTER IV:
POLICY VISION AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................... 13
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4.1
Vision statement ....................................................................................................... 14
4.2
Policy objectives ....................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER V:
POLICY ISSUES, OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS ................................... 14
5.1
Promotion of E-waste infrastructure systems ............................................................... 14
5.2
Development of SMEs and job creation ...................................................................... 14
5.3
To protect the environment from pollution and hazardous materials caused by E-wastes .. 15
5.4
Human resource development .................................................................................... 15
5.5
Awareness and education ........................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER VI:
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 16
6.1
Ministry in charge of Information and Communications Technology ............................. 16
6.2
Ministry in charge of Trade and Industry ..................................................................... 16
6.3
Ministry in charge of Health ...................................................................................... 17
6.4
Ministry in charge of Education.................................................................................. 17
6.5
Authority in charge of Environmental Management ..................................................... 17
6.6
Regulatory Authority ................................................................................................ 17
6.7
Authority in charge of Standards ................................................................................ 17
6.8
Authority in charge of customs and revenues ............................................................... 18
6.9
Private sector............................................................................................................ 18
User ..................................................................................................................... 18
6.10
CHAPTER VII: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .......................................................... 18
Introduction of Producer Responsibility ................................................................... 19
7. 1
7.1.1
7.2
User Responsibility ................................................................................................... 19
7.2.1
7. 3
Rationale and Organisation ............................................................................................ 19
Consultative Forum ........................................................................................................ 19
Action plan ........................................................................................................... 19
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CHAPTER VIII: LEGAL IMPLICATIONS ........................................................................... 21
8.1
Legislative framework ............................................................................................... 21
8.2
Regulation ............................................................................................................... 21
8.3
Market regime .......................................................................................................... 21
CHAPTER IX:
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ..................................................................... 21
CHAPTER X:
POLICY IMPACTS ON BUSINESS ............................................................. 22
ANNEX I Electrical and Electronic Equipment covered by the Policy (not exhaustive) ................. 23
ANNEX II Material flow and payment flow in the proposed system ............................................ 25
ANNEX III Detailed Action Plan
In a separate volume
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ABREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
EEE
Electrical and electronic equipment
EIA
Environmental Impact assessment
E-waste
Electrical and electronic waste, also called WEEE
ICT
Information and communication technology
NICI
National Information and Communication Infrastructure Plan
NISR
National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda
NUR-CB
The National University of Rwanda Consultancy Bureau
WEEE
Electrical and electronic waste, also called E-waste
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DEFINITIONS
Collection system: a system that a producer maintains or is affiliated to and to which E-waste can be
delivered in order to be transported and recycled or disposed of on behalf of the producer.
Competent Authority: Ministry in charge of Information and Communication Technology
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are:
 Products designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1 000 Volt for alternating
current and 1 500 Volt for direct current;
 Designed for and dependent on electric current or electromagnetic fields to work properly, or
designed for the generation, transfer or measurement of electrical currents or electromagnetic
fields.
Energy recovery: use of waste material to utilise the energy in the material.
E-waste means any electrical or electronic equipment which the holder discards or intends or is
required to discard. All components, subassemblies and consumables which are part of the product at
the time of discarding are also included.
Household: The basic residential unit in which economic production, consumption, inheritance, child
rearing, and shelter are organized and carried out. In general all individuals who live in the same
dwelling.
Household products: EEE that are typically found in households and therefore be expected to
become household waste.
Material recovery: processing of waste material for some other use than reuse or energy recovery.
Pre-treatment: means the reprocessing in a production process of the waste materials for the original
purpose or for other purposes, but excluding energy recovery.
Producer means a person who:
1. Manufactures electrical and electronic products and sells them under his own brand or;
2. Sells under his own brand electrical and electronic products that do not have a brand that can
be attributed to a producer referred to in point 1; or
3. Imports or exports electrical and electronic equipment on a professional basis into Rwanda.
This definition of producer includes the terms distributor, importer, manufacturer, retailer and seller.
The term producer does not refer to a person who only provides financing under a loan, lease, rental
or hire purchase agreement that relates to a product, irrespective of whether the agreement means that
the ownership right to the product will or may be transferred.
Regulatory Authority: currently Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency of certain public utilities
established by Law n° 39/2001.
User means a person or an entity such as offices, industrial enterprises who utilizes or is obliged to
use the E-waste management system for recycling or disposal of his E-waste.
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CHAPTER I: BACKGROUND
1.1
Introduction
The Government of Rwanda has identified WEEE, electrical and electronic waste as an area of
increasing concern in the country. The positive economic development in the country enables a larger
part of the population to purchase electrical and electronic equipment, EEE, thus generating WEEE
or E-waste. The E-waste poses a threat to the environment if not properly collected, segregated and
treated.
The volume of WEEE grows rapidly every year and is also believed to be one of the most critical
waste disposal issues of the twenty-first century. The United Nation University estimates that 20 to
50 million tons of E-Waste is being generated per year worldwide.1
1.2
Main Problems and Risks Regarding E-waste
Insufficient legislation and recycling collection systems in many countries, means that safe
management of E-waste is seldom practiced, when seen on a global scale. Instead a large part of the
E-waste generated in the world is sent, mostly illegally, to developing countries such as, China, India,
Nigeria and Ghana, where the E-waste may be dismantled by poor people using rudimentary
methods, such as open burning in the hunt for valuable materials. Sometimes the export for re-use in
developing countries may be a good way to lengthen the life-span of the products as well as to help
the poor world to keep up with the technological development in the developed world. At the same
time it constitutes a great environmental, social and economic problem. The dividing line between reusable and charity on the one hand, and waste and dumping on the other hand is unclear. Even if the
equipment is working and possibly will be used a few more years in the developing world, the
exports will also transfer the waste problem to the recipient countries. However, a large fraction of
the obsolete EEE in the developed world is deliberately exported as waste to developing countries,
since E-waste export is a very cost-effective option, due to the lower labour costs and less stringent
environmental regulations in many developing countries.
Another large fraction of the E-waste generated in the world is treated as general municipal solid
waste, and is thus incinerated in waste incineration facilities or just disposed of in dump sites or
landfills without any pre-treatment.
Only a minor fraction (around 10%) is treated in recycling facilities adapted for its purpose. Even if
all end-of-life treatment processes creates emissions of hazardous compounds, that may have
negative impacts on human health and the environment, some processes are worse than others.
Another problem with E-waste is that consumers/users tend to keep obsolete EEE for a while before
discarding it, which may be particularly true for computers and cell phones. This fact implies that it
may take time before the discarded EEE is actually going into the waste stream.
Since E-waste poses a significant threat to the environment and the use of EEE is steadily increasing,
safe management of E-waste is extremely essential.
1
UNEP, Recycling—From e-Waste to Resources: Sustainable Innovation and Technology Transfer Industrial Sector
Studies, United Nations Environment Programme,
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1.3
E-waste Characteristics, Environmental and Health Risks
1.3.1 E-waste Characteristics
E-waste is a generic term comprising all EEE that have been disposed of by their original users, and
includes everything from large household appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave ovens,
television sets, and computers, to hand-held digital apparatuses, cell phones and toys, the list of
examples of equipment is included in Annex I. The large quantities of E-waste generated in
combination with E-waste containing a wide range of hazardous compounds means that E-waste is of
global environmental magnitude. When the E-waste is taken care of, either in the general waste
management system or in recycling processes, these hazardous compounds may be released and
thereby become a threat to humans and the environment. Furthermore, new hazardous compounds,
such as dioxins, may be formed as the original E-waste components are degraded. Hence it is crucial
to ensure adequate management of the E-waste.
However, E-waste also contains several valuable components, such as precious metals and various
plastics that may be profitable to extract during the end-of-life treatment processes. This adds an
economic incentive to process E-waste adequately.
The main hazardous components of concern in EEE comprise organic as well as inorganic
compounds. The organic compounds include various brominated flame retardants, brominated and
chlorinated dioxins (PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs), brominated and chlorinated benzenes and phenols,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and naphthalenes (PCNs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), nonylphenol, organophosphorus flame retardants, phthalate esters and freons. The inorganic
compounds include antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper,
lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin, yttrium, and zinc. Some are of concern because they are very
toxic and other mainly because they are very abundant in E-waste.
There are also some other chemicals present in E-waste that may be alarming. These are liquid
crystals from liquid crystal displays (LCDs), toner dust from toner cartridges and nanoparticles from
various products. The components and materials that are of most concern are: printed circuit boards
(PC-boards), batteries, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), LCDs, plastics, PCB-containing capacitors,
equipment containing freons, toner cartridges and various mercury containing components.
1.3.2 Environmental and Health risks
Landfilling of E-waste poses a threat to surrounding surface and ground water, where the inorganic
and organic compounds may contaminate potential drinking water.
Incineration of E-waste, and especially if it is carried out under uncontrolled conditions, may lead to
large emissions of a variety of hazardous substances that may pose a risk to humans and the
environment directly exposed to the emissions, and also contribute to the global spreading of some
compounds.
Regarding health effects on humans, emissions from incineration processes may, among others, result
in respiratory and pulmonary effects (including decreased lung function as well as inflammatory and
immune responses), cardiovascular effects (including inflammation and increased cardiovascular
mortality), genotoxic effects as well as reproductive effects.
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1.4
E-waste Management in Neighbouring Countries and Region
Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana have initiated a process of introduction of an
improved E-waste management. These countries have currently no specific E-waste regulations but
are on their way to introduce relevant E-waste Strategies, Policies and Legislations along with other
environmental regulations adapted to E-waste management.
A well-integrated and functional institutional mechanism for E-waste management system is still
lacking when it comes to formal E-waste collection and recycling in these countries. In most cases,
informal collectors are part of waste management market and illegal dumping of E-waste is taking
place even though there are other environmental regulations in place.
Moreover, downstream vendors are engaged in many activities like refurbishing for reuse, manual
dismantling into parts and sub-assemblies, none of these activities not properly licenced or
monitored. However, in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda there is a market for recycled materials.
1.5
ICT development in Rwanda
In line with Vision 2020, Government of Rwanda integrated ICT as a key driver for socio-economic
development by adopting the Rwanda ICT for Development (ICT4D), commonly known as the
National Information and Communication Infrastructure Plan (NICI). The NICI plan, which started in
2001, aims at fast tracking Rwanda’s transformation to a knowledge-based society.
Thus, the utilisation, purchase and import of EEE is expected to grow substantially in the years to
come, and a conservative estimate would be a growth rate of 20% annually. The increased usage of
electric and electronic equipment would subsequently generate increased volumes of E-waste.
Moreover, the current lack of infrastructure to handle E-waste in Rwanda has motivated institutions
and private persons to store outdated equipment, which also need to be managed in an
environmentally safe manner.
The key objectives of the NICI III include the need for Green ICT in one of the projects to be
implemented.
CHAPTER II: CURRENT STATUS OF THE E-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN
RWANDA
2.1
Introduction
The modern society increasingly relies on electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and it is very
important to reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible from the entire life-cycle of
EEE. These products are highly complex and contain many hazardous components and scarce raw
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materials. The life-span of many such products is quite short and hence E-waste is a growing concern
all over the world, Rwanda being no exception.
In Rwanda, there are growing numbers of personal computers in institutions, households, business
facilities etc. Besides, with the growth of the telecommunication sector, the number of citizens
subscribing to the mobile network is steadily increasing. Moreover, electrical household appliances
and equipment is an increasing product group imported to the country.
There are several ways for a safer management of E-waste; ensuring that:
2.2

Certain hazardous substances are forbidden in EEE;

E-waste is properly collected and recycled when no longer used.
Current Institutional Framework
There are several national policies and strategies that are relevant for the E-waste sector, although
there are no specific regulations for E-waste. Secondly, several Ministries, Authorities and
Government offices activities have currently an impact on the sector. The most relevant government
institutions are listed below.
Ministry / Agency / Authority
Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) Rwanda
Environmental Management Authority, REMA
Rwanda Natural Resources Authority, RNRA
Ministry of Youth and Information and
Communications Technology (MYICT)
Ministry of Health (MINISANTE)
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM)
Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS)
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA)
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
2.3
Responsibility in brief
Environment
Youth and ICT
Health and safety
Private sector development
Standardisation and conformity
assessment services
Ensure that certain utilities provide goods
and services, licencing of services
Promotion of private sector investments
Current Legislative Framework
The Legal documents for this Policy relate to bills, policies, strategies and guidelines within the ICT
and Environment sectors, but also in the trade, importation and standardization sectors.
The legal framework for waste management is documented in the Organic Law N° 04/2005 of
08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in
Rwanda.
The Law N° 39/2001 of 13th September 2001 establishing Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency
(RURA) giving responsibility of waste management among others.
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The Law N° 16/2006 of 03/04/2006 Determining the Organisation, Functioning and Responsibilities
of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) provides details of its responsibility,
among many others responsibility we can list:



to implement the Environmental Policy,
to assess and approve EIAs for development projects, and
to prepare action plans for prevention of environmental risks and hazards.
The Law Nº 43/2010 of 07/12/2010 establishing Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA)
Determining its Responsibilities, Organisation and Functioning establishes and defines its
responsibilities, among others to establish ways of transporting and treating of waste.
However, these Laws do not specifically address E-waste.
2.4
Obligations under Regional and International Treaties
Rwanda is a signatory to many agreements and conventions on environmental management. These
include support for the provisions of Agenda 21 amongst other declarations and statements of
principles, such as the Rio Declaration in 1992 on Environment and Development. Rwanda is also
party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their Disposal.
2.5
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)
Electrical and electronic products (EEE) are imported; there is no manufacturing of such products in
Rwanda. Assembly of mobile phone may however be expected in the near future
Products are imported by multinational companies, some institutions are engaged in temporary /
long-term storage of E-waste, and limited amounts arrive yet at dumping sites. Currently there is no
separate collection of E-waste in Rwanda; all waste is just disposed of in dump sites. The wastes that
arrive to dumping sites are mainly electrical waste from household appliances, to a certain extent
some recovery takes place by means of personnel hired by contractors for metal recovery, which
takes place in Uganda. There are also indications that a local steel smelter purchases limited amounts
of steel from the recycling.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, on behalf of central government, and some other institutions store
E-waste while awaiting a method for its proper management and disposal.
2.5.1 Amount of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)
NUR-CB, 2011 has estimated the amount of EEE from import statistics from the Institute of Statistics
as presented in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Import of EEE, Institute of Statistics, 2011
Type of EEE
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Total
Analogue or hybrid automatic data processing machines
4,370
5,454
6,737
8,497
3,537
-
-
28,596
Non portable ADP machines, comprising at least CPU & I/O unit
1,281
655
1,289
917
1,311
2,446
2,201
10,100
Non-portable ADP machines, presented in the form of systems
814
2,242
403
102
151
876
806
5,394
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Processing units
17
750
771
560
327
6,456
1,621
10,502
Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units
749
1,808
2,525
37,249
3,368
4,986
6,790
57,475
Storage units
102
185
88
216
6,488
572
117
Other units of automatic data processing machines
959
2,103
1,859
2,276
3,952
5,509
9,233
25,891
Magnetic/optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto ….
518
2,677
2,131
3,156
2,387
1,302
1,488
13,659
7,768
Moreover, Table 2.2 shows the electronic equipment imported during the same period, 2001 – 2010.
Table 2.2 Import of electronics, Institute of Statistics, 2011
EEE
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Desktop
1141
2263
908
4312
Laptops
335
148
488
564
933
1303
1793
Printers
3510
4358
4035
5,153
4,615
4,077
38,395
Fixed Phones
991
1329
1014
3334
Radio
98313
49488
420854
568655
TVs
7843
4722
6661
19226
2008
2009
2010
4,629
6,789
10,954
Thus, the total amount imported has been estimated by NUR-CB as specified in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 Trend of EEE imports year 2003 – 2010 (excluding white-wares)
ICT product
2003
2004
2005
2006
Quantity, no
455,180
185,940
149,250
112,560
Net Weight, kg
525,779
664,450
1,022,041
1,560,272
CIF*, RWF
4,786,201,839
6,623,859,088
12,425,703,313 14,835,911,882
ICT product
2007
2008
2009
2010
Quantity, no
143,187
187,290
91,368
1,510,103
1,559,651
2,100,201
3,222,061
2513575
Net Weight, kg
CIF, RWF
14,895,960,923
18,035,120,286
44,864,541,783 37,686,220,594
*Costs, insurance and freight of items imported to Rwanda
Household white-wares are not included in the above statistics, but the total value of the EEE imports
as presented in Table 2.4 gives an indication of the magnitude of the total EEE market for the last 8
years.
Table 2.4 Value of EEE imports (including white-wares), Institute of Statistics, 2011
Year
2003
2004
2005
2006
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Value, USD
Year
Value, USD
13 470 621
15 499 162
37 563 166
43 906 038
2007
2008
2009
2010
59 056 957
166 448 872
234 041 973
130 238 251
2.5.2 Amount of E-waste Generated
Since E-waste is a rather new phenomenon to Rwanda, limited amounts end up at the landfills but are
rather stored in storages or placed on display in individual households. NUR-CB have from
interviews of institutions and suppliers estimated that an average of 14 % of the EEE is obsolete, and
would be subject to recycling/processing, should such facilities/management be available.
2.5.3 Current Operations
The solid waste management, collection and transporting companies, as well as landfill operators are
licenced by RURA, the mechanisms in place are not specific to E-waste.
The solid waste contractors collect waste from different places to allocated landfills without any
distinct segregation of WEEE.
CHAPTER III: NEED FOR THE POLICY
Poorly disposed E-waste can lead to severe human health and environmental hazards due to highly
toxic substances like mercury and lead (lead poisoning, cancerous mercury and pollution from
burning may damage human organs and the environment). There is need for a comprehensive
national policy on E-waste to safeguard the nation’s human resource and environment. This is a
challenge to deal with due to the increased use of ICT equipment which in time reaches end of life
and has to be disposed of.
Other justifications of an E-waste management policy include:
(a)
Rapidly increasing E-waste volumes, both domestically generated as well as through imports.
Imports are often disguised as second-hand computer donations towards bridging the digital
divide or simply as metal scrap.
(b)
No accurate estimates of the quantity of E-waste generated and recycled.
(c)
Low level of awareness amongst manufacturers and users of the hazards of incorrect
E-waste disposal.
(d)
Waste workers in Rwanda have insufficient knowledge of toxins in E-waste and are exposed
to serious health hazards.
(e)
Lack of recycling processes result in substantial losses of material value.
CHAPTER IV:
POLICY VISION AND OBJECTIVES
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4.1
Vision statement
Sustainable E-waste management system for safe environment and healthy people.
4.2
Policy objectives
The main objective of a national policy and strategy is to reduce environmental impact from E-waste
in Rwanda. Other objectives are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To promote E-waste infrastructure systems,
To encourage development of e-waste SMEs, hence promoting job creation,
To promote industrial development with less pollution,
To encourage safe disposal of hazardous E-wastes,
To develop a critical human resource base knowledgeable in handling E-waste,
To promote E-waste awareness and education.
CHAPTER V:
5.1
POLICY ISSUES, OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS
Promotion of E-waste infrastructure systems
Issue:
Lack of infrastructure for E-waste management.
Policy Objectives:
(a)
To establish a system for the E-waste management process.
(b)
To develop sustainable models for E-waste management.
Policy Directions or Strategies:
The government of Rwanda shall:
-
Establish an identification and tracking system of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (EEE),
-
Ensure proper collection, transportation, dismantling, disposal and recycling of E-waste,
-
Encourage set up of facilities to handle refurbishing and E-waste recycling in the country,
-
Ensure that the facilities set up are in harmony with the EAC mechanisms,
-
In order to encourage investors and make E-waste management services affordable, the
Government shall pay particular attention to ways of reducing the cost of related equipment.
5.2
Development of SMEs and job creation
Issues:
Lack of investment in E-waste management system,
-
Insufficient knowledge of business opportunities in E-waste area.
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Policy Objectives:
-
To avail information regarding investment opportunities in E-waste management field.
Policy Directions or Strategies:
-
The Government to promote investment in E-waste management,
-
The Government to sensitize Private Sector especially young investors to E-waste business
opportunities,
-
In order to ensure sustainability of SMEs, the Government shall establish mechanisms for
gathering E-waste funds,
-
The Government shall establish incentives for encouraging both local and foreign investors to
establish E-waste facilities in Rwanda.
5.3
To protect the environment from pollution and hazardous materials caused
by E-wastes
Issues:
Lack of proper strategies to handle hazardous materials caused by E-wastes,
-
Lack of legal and regulatory framework,
-
Insufficient standards of EEE.
Policy Objective:
To protect environment and ensure human health
Policy Directions or Strategies:
The Government shall provide specific E-waste legal and regulatory framework from the
acquisition, handling to the final disposal processes,
-
The Government through the standardisation bureau shall ensure development of specific
standards of EEE and hazardous substances in general
-
The Government shall introduce proper mechanisms to stimulate users to return E-waste to Ewaste management centres.
5.4
Human resource development
Issue:
The existing skills in the area of E-waste are limited.
Policy Objective:
To have knowledgeable human resource in E-waste field.
Policy Directions or Strategies:
The Government in partnership with Private Sector shall facilitate development of training in
the E-waste management area,
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-
The Government in partnership with Private Sector shall develop E-waste business models
which will yield social benefits like jobs and skills transfer from central to local governments.
5.5
Awareness and education
Issue:
There is no awareness of the hazards of E-waste.
Policy Objective:
To establish community awareness campaigns on how to safely handle E-waste.
Directions or Strategies:
The Government to develop a strategy for education efforts including partnerships with
manufacturers/ retailers/ recyclers of E-waste,
-
The Government to develop a national E-waste resource web portal,
-
The Government to organize annual events to promote E-waste awareness,
-
The Government to design and conduct user awareness campaigns to ensure understanding of
how to safely dispose of E-waste and how to access safe disposal systems,
-
The Government to encourage procurement of environmentally friendly EEE,
-
The Government to mainstream E-waste issues in the national education curriculum.
CHAPTER VI:
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
The E-waste policy shall be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholder institutions as follows
6.1
Ministry in charge of Information and Communications Technology
The Ministry in charge of ICT shall be responsible for the following:
(a)
Development of a plan for implementing the E-waste policy detailing the time frame,
baseline, targets, outputs and outcomes of the policy,
(b)
Development of the policy,
(c)
Undertaking monitoring and evaluation,
(d)
Setup of E-waste skills development schemes for government (local and central
Governments),
(e)
Taking lead in E-waste awareness.
6.2
Ministry in charge of Trade and Industry
The ministry in charge of Trade and Industry will:
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-
6.3
Develop a PPP policy to guide policy implementation within the private sector.
Ministry in charge of Health
The ministry in charge of Health will develop policies that govern health and safety standards on
E-waste management.
6.4
Ministry in charge of Education
The ministry in charge of Education will take lead in the development of curricula regarding E-waste
education.
6.5. Ministry in charge of State assets
The ministry in charge of State private assets will develop guidelines for collecting E-Waste within
government institutions.
6.6
Authority in charge of Environmental Management
The Authority in charge of Environmental Management will ensure participation in the enforcement
of the policy by providing E-waste guidelines.
6.7
Regulatory Authority
The Regulatory Authority will contribute to enforcing the policy by:
(a)
Integrating E-waste management into licensing conditions,
(b)
Advising the Ministry in charge of ICT and other relevant bodies on E-waste matters in the
communications sector,
(c)
Providing technical support in matters of E-waste management in the communications sector,
(d)
Enforcing standards on E-waste in the sector,
(e)
Educating the communications sector stakeholders in matters of E-waste management,
(f)
Monitoring quality assurance concerning E-waste
6.8
Authority in charge of Standards
The authority in charge of Standards will:
(a)
Notify World Trade Organization (WTO) member states on electronic equipment standards
set, policies and regulations developed that affect quality of imports into the country,
(c)
Develop standards concerning E-waste.
(b)
Develop a mechanism to audit and monitor compliance of electronic equipment with set
standards,
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6.9
Authority in charge of customs and revenues
The authority in charge of customs and revenues will:
(a)
Monitor customs and collecting statistics of electrical and electronic imports into the country,
(b)
Keep track of electrical and electronic equipment imported into the country and ensure that
the set out standards are enforced.
6.10 Private sector
The private sector shall operationalize the policy through planning and establishing the E-waste
collection, transportation, treatment and recycling facilities.
6.11 User
Users have responsibility to return the EEE at the end of their life time as E-Wastes to designated
collection centres.
6.12 Producers
The producers will be responsible for the establishment, operations and financing of the whole Ewaste chain and report to the E-waste Regulatory Authority. The Producers are encouraged to
organise themselves in a Producer Association to increase their efficiency.
CHAPTER VII: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The Policy implementation plan highlights the activities that should be carried out to initiate the Ewaste management system. The implementation plan is prepared for a period of twenty four (24)
months from the time it is adopted. The Implementation plan is specified below.
Due to the fact that the ICT sector stakeholders lack capacity, the policy addresses issues that range
from a comprehensive human resource development programme, establishment of the complete
system of the E-waste management including collection, transportation, dismantling, disposal and
recycling of E-waste. All these issues are crucial to the future functioning of E-waste management as
a priority to avail green ICT that will contribute effectively to national development, Poverty
Reduction Strategies, MDGs and Rwanda Vision 2020.
The activities in the implementation plan are of continuous nature for the two years period
particularly when it is apparent that the implementation starts from scratch to build capacity as the
implementation goes on in relation to the newly formed Strategic Plan.
The Ministry in charge of ICT will be in charge of the E-waste management Policy that will be
carried out through different government agencies and private investors. It is anticipated that the
responsibilities will be clear when the law governing E-waste management will be enacted.
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7. 1
Introduction of Producer Responsibility
7.1.1 Rationale and Organisation
The idea of introducing a producer (including importer and retailer) responsibility is to let the
producers decide for themselves how to fulfil the objectives and organise a system for collection and
treatment of E-waste. Hence, we recommend the Government of Rwanda not to decide how the
collection and treatment company should be organised, the producers must be able to do what they
believe are the right way to organise themselves.
The role of the government would be
 To set the E-waste collection targets,
 To support the introduction and development of a E-waste management company,
 What types of E-waste must be dismantled prior to recycling,
 The environmental requirements for the dismantling and recycling of the E-waste,
 The level of service for the public, i.e. accessibility of collection centres for E-waste,
 Level of reporting to the authorities to enable compilation of statistics of EEE and E-waste.
However, we do acknowledge the fact that the producers of EEE in Rwanda will need support and
education to be able to accept such responsibility. We propose that the system will be introduced
successively and in close cooperation with the producers. It is a process to develop the system and
not only a decision making exercise for the Government. It is much easier to get acceptance among
the producers if they are part of the process and not just presented a final concept.
The proposed material flow and the payment flow is schematically described in Annex II.
7.2
User Responsibility
Users are obligated by this policy to return the EEE at the end of their life time as E-Waste to
designated collection centres. Public awareness campaigns are the tools for promoting the recycling
activities. Sanctions are not recommended as a method for the public compliance with the
requirements.
7.2.1 Consultative Forum
An E-waste consultation forum of stakeholders is proposed to provide for an effective platform of
obtaining stakeholders view for the initiation and improvement of the services in the country. The
consultative forum is proposed to comprise representatives from user groups and other NGO’s,
authorities and producers.
7. 3
Action plan
The following plan of action is proposed. We propose that the established E-waste Technical Team,
(ETT in the table in Annex III, where the Action Plan is detailed with costs, timing and responsible
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implementing organisation) for the current project acts as an interim working group to continue the
implementation activities of an efficient E-waste management system.
The preparatory phase to introduce the system comprises tentatively the following activities. The
expected target, target dates, responsible party and estimated costs are presented in Annex III.
1. Identify the relevant Producers (as identified during the current assignment), and call for a
start-up meeting to mobilise the interest of the Producers.
2. Preliminary stakeholder meeting to lay down the framework and general ideas for
introduction of the producer responsibility for E-waste. Find out the willingness to develop a
full Producer Responsibility System according to the Proposal. Discuss organizational,
technical and financial implications. Should the Producers refrain from partaking in the
proposed system, the Government driven system may be discussed as an alternative solution,
but priority one is to implement the full Producer responsibility.
3. Conduct regular meetings with the producers during the investigation phase and support
during the build-up phase of the system.
4. Educational program of pertinent stakeholders such as authorities, waste management
companies, retailers, importers, etc. The training programmes are tailor-made for each
category.
5. Establishment of the Producer Association Company (PA). Agreement on the representation
of the Producers in the company and Board.
6. Assessment of necessary physical facilities for the treatment of E-waste or if export is
preferable. Feasibility and Investment studies. Government may contribute by allocation of
land for the facilities.
7. Study and Assessment of the number and location of collection centres.
8. Government and Producers plan and agree on the number and location of collection centres.
Agreement on the operating conditions, opening hours and access.
9. Producers propose to Government how the collection, transport and treatment systems shall
be organized. The parties agree on the system.
10. Preparation of background reports and licencing and EIAs of collection centres and recycling
plants.
11. Consultative forum formation. Agree on the function of the Forum and their participants.
12. Proposal for a full definition of the “producer” compatible with proposed legislation.
13. Detailed investigation of necessary adaptions in the current laws and regulations for the
introduction of producer responsibility and proposal for such adaptions (import, export, limits
of hazardous substances in EEE, control and enforcement mechanisms).
14. Detailed investigation of the levels of levies that will be introduced.
15. Final preparation and Passing of the bills and new legislation for E-waste (including the
proposed Bill in the current project).
16. Establishing standards for the targets on collected amounts and recycled amounts of E-waste.
The targets shall be set in a technically and financially sustainable manner in close
collaboration with the producers. Stringent targets should be introduced step-by-step.
17. Awareness campaigns for the public to participate in the system and separately sort the Ewaste.
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18. Detailed design of a system of government support for the introduction of producer
responsibility during a limited time period.
Intermediate and Long-term Measures
1. Construction of the collection centres
2. Construction of recycling plant
3. Awareness campaigns for the public to participate in the system and separately sort out the
E-waste.
4. Follow-up of the system introduced, including collected amount of E-waste in relation to
EEE sold on the market.
5. Monitoring of the system and targets and physical facilities
6. Revision of targets and systems.
7. Regular Consultative Forum meetings
CHAPTER VIII: LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1
Legislative framework
The E-waste management policy and some of its objectives are within the scope of existing laws
governing ICT, environment, and competitiveness.
However, there is urgent need to enacting a law governing E-Waste management.
8.2
Regulation
The regulatory framework will be for the sustainable E-waste management and allow adequate
responsibilities in establishing standards, pricing mechanisms for licenses and fees to make services
affordable and quality based.
8.3
Market regime
This policy will foster investment and job creation opportunities to promote creativity and innovation
especially for young entrepreneurs.
CHAPTER IX:
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Government will include programs and activities related to this policy in its strategic plans, and
allocate the necessary funds.
The Government shall adopt a comprehensive strategy which aims at attracting private investments in
the E-waste management business.
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CHAPTER X:
POLICY IMPACTS ON BUSINESS
This Policy opens the way for the use of all opportunities offered by E-waste management industry in
achieving the Millennium Development Goals recognized internationally as well as the 2020 vision
and EDPRS objectives.
The E-waste management business will bring about a wide range of business opportunities which will
uplift the SMEs, cooperatives among others with high potential for job creation.
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ANNEX I Electrical and Electronic Equipment covered by the Policy (not exhaustive)
Large Household Appliances
- Large cooling appliances
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Other large appliances used for refrigeration,
conservation and storage of food
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Dish washing machines
- Cooking
- Electric stoves
- Electric hot plates
- Microwaves
- Other large appliances used for cooking and other
processing of food
- Electric heating appliances
- Electric radiators
- Other large appliances for heating rooms, beds,
seating furniture
- Electric fans
- Air conditioner appliances
- Other fanning, exhaust ventilation and conditioning
equipment
IT and Telecommunications Equipments
Small Household Appliances
- Vacuum cleaners
- Carpet sweepers
- Other appliances for cleaning
- Appliances used for sewing, knitting, weaving and
other processing for textiles
- Irons and other appliances for ironing, mangling and
other care of clothing
- Toasters
- Fryers
- Grinders, coffee machines and equipment for
opening or sealing containers or packages
- Electric knives
- Appliances for hair-cutting, hair drying, tooth
brushing, shaving, massage and other body care
appliances
- Clocks, watches and equipment for the purpose of
measuring, indicating or registering time
- Scales
- Centralised data processing:
- Mainframes
- Minicomputers
- Printer units
- Personal computers (CPU, mouse, screen and
keyboard included)
- Laptop computers (CPU, mouse, screen and
keyboard included)
- Notebook computers
- Notepad computers
- Printers
- Copying equipment
- Electrical and electronic typewriters
- Pocket and desk calculators
- other products and equipment for the collection,
storage, processing, presentation or communication of
information by electronic means
- User terminals and systems
- Facsimile
- Telex / Telephones / Pay telephones / Cordless
telephones
- Cellular telephones
- Answering systems
- other products or equipment of transmitting sound,
- Radio sets
- Television sets
- Video cameras
- Video recorders
- Hi-fi recorders
- Audio amplifiers
- Musical instruments
- And other products or equipment for the purpose of
recording or reproducing sound or images, including
signals or other technologies for the distribution of
sound and image than by telecommunication
Household Equipment
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images or other information by telecommunications
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ANNEX II Material flow and payment flow in the proposed system
Sorting
Collection centre
E-waste
Consumers
Dismantling
Retailers
Material recovery
HW treatment
Waste to energy
Material recycling
in industry
Glass
Plastics
Metals
Material flow of E-waste in a built-up E-waste management system
Payment flow in the proposed system (PA = Producer Association)