Responsible E-Waste Value Chains in Africa
This rapid literature review collates evidence from academic, policy and grey literature on e-waste value chains
Abstract
Population growth, increasing prosperity and changing consumer habits globally are increasing demand for consumer electronics. Further to this, rapid changes in technology, falling prices, increased affordability and consumer appetite for new products have exacerbated e-waste management challenges and seen millions of tons of electronic devices become obsolete. This rapid literature review collates evidence from academic, policy focussed and grey literature on e-waste value chains. The report should be read I conjunction with an earlier report on e-waste management. E-waste is any electrical or electronic equipment, including all components, subassemblies and consumables, which are part of the equipment at the time the equipment becomes waste. When e-waste is collected and treated formally, it normally includes the following steps: Collection, Sorting and disassembly, Size reduction, Separation.
This report was prepared for the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its partners in support of pro-poor programmes
Citation
Avis, W. (2022). Responsible E-Waste Value Chains in Africa. K4D Helpdesk Report No. 1074. Institute of Development Studies. DOI 10.19088/K4D.2022.015