To tackle growing e-waste challenge associated with the nation’s expanding renewable-energy sector, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), E-waste Producers Responsibility Organisation Nigeria (EPRON) and E-Terra Technologies Limited have commenced conversations on possible collaboration.

The engagement followed a facility tour of E-Terra’s Materials Recovery and Recycling Facility (MRRF), Abule-Ado, Lagos, by UNIDO and EPRON representatives, followed by a cross-section meeting on the responsible management of solar panels, inverters, batteries and other renewable-energy equipment at end-of-life.

Technical Advisor, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry, UNIDO, Satoko Takenoshita said: “Developing appropriate systems for recovering and recycling end-of-life solar equipment, batteries and related technologies will be critical to ensuring a truly sustainable energy future.”

On her part, Executive Director, EPRON, Ibukun Faluyi, said stakeholders must prepare for the waste streams that will arise from increasing renewable-energy adoption.

To her, “collaboration is essential to building an effective Extended Producer Responsibility and circular-economy framework around these materials.”

The Technical Director, E-Terra, Patrick Inoh, who conducted the facility tour on behalf of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwutem Ochonogor, welcomed the initiative, noting that strategic partnerships are vital to tackling Africa’s e-waste challenge.

The stakeholders emphasised the need for effective collection, take-back, material recovery, recycling and environmentally sound treatment to prevent improper disposal, burning and informal dismantling.

The engagement marks an important step towards ensuring that Africa’s clean-energy transition is matched by responsible and sustainable e-waste management.