Recycling electronics.

Hewlett-Packard has announced the launch of a project with the Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) and the Swiss Institute for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) to address the growing problem of electronic waste in Africa.

This collaboration aims to reduce potential health and environmental hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic waste and create jobs in disadvantaged communities. To tackle this problem Hewlett-Packard, DSF and Empa are undertaking analysis and providing support for improved recycling processes over the coming year. Valuable substances, such as gold and copper, can be harvested from old electronic goods and this has spawned an efficient informal sector which recycles much of this waste.

The project aims to develop a blueprint for electronic waste management in Africa in conjunction with existing recycling schemes. The initial pilot project will be launched in South Africa together with an analysis of existing practices in Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia.