The management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a current issue since the advent of the fight against the digital divide for African countries. Indeed, this has resulted in the massive importation of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), which for economic reasons includes a significant proportion of second-hand equipment. Therefore, it is urgent to think about the end of life of this equipment, especially since in the field of information and communication technologies, equipment is renewed quickly. This waste (WEEE) is composed of recoverable and dangerous materials. Computers, televisions, refrigerators, batteries and telephones, to name a few, require proper treatment when they are no longer functional. Recoverable materials require recycling and hazardous materials require ecologically acceptable dismantling to preserve the environment and the health of populations.

This waste management sector (WEEE) is dominated by the informal sector which does not obey any safety rules. The necessary measures should be taken to ensure effective management of this problem. This is how a pilot unit was created within Senegal Numerique SA for the dismantling of WEEE and the reconditioning of computers.

In summary, this program consists of developing and adopting a legislative and regulatory framework for electrical, electronic and electromagnetic waste (WEEE), continuing waste collection and dismantling activities, recovering electronic waste after the dismantling of used machines by residents of the Center for Disabled People at Work (CHAT), but also the establishment of a regional collection and dismantling center (CRGD3E).

A large WEEE processing center in Sandiara

Senegal Numerique plays a key role in the management of e-waste in Senegal and implements Senegal's political will to optimize the management of this waste. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Sandiara in order, among other things, to have a 3-hectare plot of land where the national e-waste processing center will be built. It is therefore this town located in the department of Mbour, 100 km from Dakar, which will house one of the largest centers for the treatment and recovery of waste from electronic and electrical equipment in West Africa. This infrastructure will play an essential role in the sustainable management of e-waste and represents an important step in the fight against environmental pollution.

Sandiara will house the eWaste processing center (Watch the video)

The Center for Disabled People at Work: the pioneers of recycling

The Center for Disabled People at Work (CHAT) is dedicated to recycling electronic and electrical waste sent to Senegal Numerique SA by various structures. It is a center for reconditioning computers and other equipment, created thanks to the initiative of the President of the Republic. The computers are checked, cleaned and repaired before being reused in media rooms in schools across the country. The dismantling process involves recovery, diagnosis, actual dismantling and sorting of components. 10 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment are processed each year by Senegal Numerique SA.

CHAT mainly employs people with disabilities and thus contributes to combating the social exclusion of this category of the population by offering them employment opportunities and leveraging their skills in the processing of e-waste.   

Certification delivered by Senegal Numerique

To encourage good practices in e-waste management, Senegal Numerique issues a certificate to companies that use its services. This certificate attests to the company's commitment to sustainable e-waste management and its contribution to the circular economy which aims to reduce waste by transforming waste into valuable resources. In the context of e-waste, this means recovering valuable components and materials from used electronic and electrical equipment for reuse or recycling. This allows companies to promote their efforts and strengthen their image of social and environmental responsibility.

The added value of sustainable e-waste management

Sustainable e-waste management has many advantages. In addition to reducing environmental impact, it allows valuable raw materials, such as rare metals, to be recovered for future reuse. In addition, it promotes job creation in the recycling sector and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Senegal Numerique plays a key role in facilitating this transition to a circular and sustainable economy.

The management of e-waste constitutes a major challenge for Senegal, but thanks to the efforts of Senegal Numerique and these partners, significant progress is being made. Initiatives aimed at collecting, processing and recycling e-waste contribute to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. Collaboration between various partners, national and international, including the ministry in charge of the environment, sustainable development and ecological transition, strengthens Senegal's capacity to meet this growing challenge. Senegal Numerique SA positions itself, in fact, as a key player by working with public and private companies to implement sustainable management and a circular economy around e-waste. 

By contacting the Department of Waste Management of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (DGD3E), everyone can also contribute to this important cause by donating their unused computer or electronic equipment. Together, we can work towards a greener future and sustainable management of e-waste in Senegal.

The following activities were carried out:

• Availability of a draft decree on the management of WEEE;
• Collection and dismantling of WEEE from the Administration and the private sector;
• Construction work on the regional dismantling center underway in Sandiara (Mbour);