Senegal aims to recycle 90% of its electronic and electrical waste by 2025. The government wants to achieve this goal through a new regulatory framework. This strategy was announced on October 14, 2022 by Malick Sow, Secretary General of the company Senegal numérique SA, during the celebration of the World Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Day in Senegal. The legislation in preparation aims to reduce pollution in this West African country.
In 2019, Senegal produced more than 4 million tons of similar waste according to the Solid Waste Coordination and Management Unit (UCG). A figure that has certainly evolved due to population growth in the country. From 16.3 million in 2019, the Senegalese population is estimated to reach 17.3 million in 2022.
The regulation of e-waste management (computers, telephones, televisions, cables, mixed batteries, thermoplastics, etc.) in Senegal will also contribute to the preservation of the environment, as well as the health of the population. These wastes have the particularity to contain dangerous substances for the environment, in particular batteries, cathode ray tubes, capacitors or refrigerants. On humans, the damage ranges from prematurity to behavioral disorders and cancer.
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While waiting for the future legislation on e-waste to come into force in Senegal, awareness-raising continues in the country as well as the dismantling, collection and recovery projects implemented by the State IT Agency (ADIE).
Inès Magoum