Sustainable Management of E-Waste in the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Sector in Rwanda
This report analyses extended producer responsibility and assesses conditions for establishing e-waste take-back and recycling system
Abstract
The report analyses extended producer responsibility (EPR) and assesses the framework conditions in Rwanda for establishing a sustainable e-waste take-back and recycling system and provides key policy recommendations on policy and legislation as well as stakeholder engagement, awareness and capacity building.
With a determined push towards diffusion of off-grid solar products, the estimated volume of products put on the Rwandan market is projected to grow exponentially. Estimates made as part of this study show that nearly 400 tonnes (t) of off-grid products are expected to be put on the Rwandan market in 2017, and approximately 180 tonnes reaching the waste stream in 2017, representing a little under 5% of the total e-waste generated.
The Rwandan Government has developed a comprehensive enabling legal framework, with specific policy and legislations on e-waste, including solar products in the scope. The draft E-waste Bill and accompanying E-waste Regulations are based on the principle of producer responsibility, specifying the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved. The government led the way in setting up the collection and recycling infrastructure, financing the construction of a 10,000 tonnes/year capacity dismantling plant near Kigali and upcoming collection point network. Keen to attract investment and best-practice in the sector, the plant will be operated and managed by a private sector partner, while remaining in government ownership.
This research is part of the ‘Technical Assistance Facility to Deliver Africa Energy Compacts’ programme
Citation
Magalini, F; Sinha Khetriwal, D; Mugabo, C (2017): Sustainable Management of E-Waste in the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Sector in Rwanda; Evidence on Demand
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