New solutions for electronic waste management unveiled

As part of efforts to address the environmental, health and financial problems caused by improper electronic waste management in the country, an electronic waste firm, E-Terra Technologies Limited has deployed environmental friendly solutions to organisations for proper disposal of electronic waste recycling and data protection in Nigeria.

To create awareness on the dangers associated with improper handling and disposal of e-waste, the firm has also developed a framework with relevant stakeholders through trainings and workshops to curtail the menace.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra Technologies Limited, Ifeanyi Ochonogor disclosed this during the firm’s e-waste recycling exposition 2018 in Lagos.

Ochonogor, who stated that E-terra is committed to the growth of the informal sector, described e-waste crisis as a ‘Trojan Horse’ which have been found to be much more hazardous, invidious and pervasive to the environment.

Empirical studies have indisputably linked the rising prevalence of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and immuno-cardiovascular diseases to the exposure to electronic waste materials which contain many hazardous substances, like lead and mercury.

While electronic products may contain reusable and valuable materials, the E-Terra boss added most electronic devices have storage media components that contain confidential information.

These devices, he said, must be properly erased for reuse, or permanently destroyed if unwanted to prevent confidential information leakages as data leakages can lead to serious financial, intellectual property and security breach.

“Most often e-waste is not properly handled by trained personnel with efficient machinery capable of containing its numerous toxic components and this result in severe environmental devastation in form of air pollution/ozone layer depletion, groundwater contamination, food pollution and nationwide ecological contamination.”

The Special Guest of Honour and Commissioner for the Environment, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, who stated that – waste is one of the major environmental challenges in the country, sought the contribution of both the public and private sector to address challenges.

On health issues associated with the menace, Durosinmi-Etti highlighted some of the environmental effects of e-waste as it affects humans through contamination of soil and the air.

The keynote presenter, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, described waste as goldmine and urged Nigerians to be conscious of the health hazards.Highlights of the event were categories of awards presented to deserving regulators and partners.

The “Green Enablers” awards were for regulators and partners that have embraced the vision for a safe and sustainable environment while “Green Champions” awards were for corporate organisations that have recognised the importance of eco-friendly e-waste management in Nigeria.