Mauritius Faces E-Waste Challenge: Only 2-5% Recycled Effectively

The story of waste management for electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one fraught with urgency and consequence. It is a narrative that involves us all — consumers, recyclers, and the very environment we inhabit. In 2022, a staggering 62 billion kilogrammes of WEEE were generated worldwide, averaging 7.8 kg for every man, woman, and child. Alarmingly, only 22.3% of this waste was collected and recycled appropriately.

Since 2010, the annual production of WEEE has surged by an alarming 2.3 billion kg, while official recycling efforts have crawled ahead by a mere 0.5 billion kg each year.

This growing gap between waste production and recycling efforts has been starkly illuminated by the 2024 Global E-Waste Monitor report from the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

In Mauritius, the situation is equally troubling. According to 2020 environmental data, between 7,000 and 8,000 tonnes of electronic waste are generated every year, yet a mere 2-5% is dismantled and processed correctly, with only 0.4% ending up in landfill.

As new technologies infiltrate our lives, reshaping how we live, work, learn, and connect, the prevalence of electronic devices continues to escalate.

It’s no longer just about computers and smartphones; we now possess a multitude of interconnected devices, from household appliances to electric bikes and scooters, integrated health gadgets, smart furniture, and increasingly sophisticated toys.

This proliferation of technology inevitably brings with it an increase in electronic waste.

Yet despite this rise in waste, global collection and recycling rates are struggling to keep pace.

When an electronic device is disposed of, it generates WEEE that often contains hazardous materials capable of inflicting severe damage on ecosystems and public health if not managed properly.

The report underscored the unique challenge posed by electronic waste, as it encompasses various materials and products, including increasingly miniaturised devices and electronics embedded in traditional items.

These complexities do complicate recycling efforts immensely.

What, then, can be done with this mounting pile of WEEE?

The solution lies in proper disposal methods, such as those offered by BEM Recycling Ltd., a family-run enterprise located in La Chaumière.

With over 20 years of expertise and a ‘Made in Moris’ certification awarded since 2022, BEM Recycling is equipped to handle all types of electronic waste, from mobile phones to large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.

The Crucial Importance of Recycling

As Thierry Malabar, project manager at BEM Recycling Ltd, explained:

“WEEE often contains dangerous components detrimental to the environment, such as batteries, greenhouse gases, and ink cartridges.

Poor handling significantly endangers human health and the ecosystem.”

However, the potential for recycling these materials is vast: metals, glass, and plastics can all be recovered.

The recycling process not only conserves natural resources but also prevents pollutants from entering our environments.

But the recycling of WEEE is complex.

“It’s essential to rigorously follow a process at every phase,” he elaborated.

“Correct separation of these items is vital from the outset.

Hazardous materials are either recycled locally with registered recyclers or exported to European nations, where they are handled in adherence to environmental standards.”

Equipped with specialised technology, BEM Recycling ensures that waste is thoroughly depolluted before dismantling it.

The focus is on extracting secondary materials of high quality — the plastics, metals, and glass that can be reintegrated into new products.

“All personal data on devices is handled under strict guidelines to ensure security,” Malabar reassured.

How to Recycle Your E-Waste?

The process of waste management involves multiple stages and carries associated costs. Under current regulations, each phase of WEEE treatment must be strictly adhered to.

Generally, many people wait for collection campaigns to recycle their electronic waste.

However, individuals or businesses can contact BEM Recycling directly for information and personalised quotes.

“Simply reach out to us at 218-1920 or through our social media,” stated Malabar.

They can either arrange collection or the items can be delivered directly to their facility.

It is crucial to understand that contributions are essential for financing the treatment process, covering everything from depollution to dismantling and recovery.

The cost associated with processing a product correlates with its size and the hazardous materials it contains.

This eco-contribution is vital for ensuring recycling occurs under optimal conditions.

Malabar highlighted a common European practice: when consumers purchase a television, they pay an additional fee that helps fund its proper disposal.

“For instance, if a TV costs Rs 20,000, and the contribution is Rs 500, many perceive this as a reasonable expense.

Yet, if the recycler requests Rs 500 at the end of the product’s life, consumer attitudes shift dramatically.”

He advocated for a model, like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system used in Europe, which could greatly benefit Mauritius by collecting contributions at the point of purchase.

Despite the obstacles posed by these contributions, an increasing number of businesses and individuals recognise the importance of proper waste management.

Although collection remained sporadic, requests for BEM Recycling’s services have surged from a handful of households in 2017 to over 100 in 2024, clearly indicating a growing awareness among Mauritians about environmental issues.

Raising awareness is crucial for furthering this trend. Educating consumers and businesses about the necessity of recycling fees, the dangers of electronic waste, and the collaborative possibilities can transform attitudes and behaviours.

The Shadow of the Black Market

Yet, a parallel challenge looms large — the underground market where unscrupulous “marsan feray” operators collect WEEE for free, often stripping away valuable components while abandoning the rest, such as refrigerators, in sugarcane fields. In extreme cases, they may resort to burning foam insulation to extract inner wiring.

BEM Recycling Ltd is committed to expanding its influence, enhancing its initiatives, and encouraging more citizens to participate in the green transition.

How to get involved? Here is a list of what can be recycled through BEM Recycling Ltd:

• Large household appliances (cold and non-cold): Refrigerators, washing machines, cookers…
• Small household appliances: Vacuums, toasters, alarm clocks…
• IT and telecommunications equipment: Personal computers, phones, tablets…
• Consumer electronics: Radios, VCRs, musical instruments…
• Electrical and electronic tools: Sewing machines, saws, chainsaws…
• Toys, leisure, and sports equipment: Game consoles, sports gear…
• Medical devices (excluding all implanted and infected products): Analysers, radiotherapy equipment…
• Monitoring and control devices: Smoke detectors, thermostats…
• Vending machines: Cash dispensers, hot drinks vending machines…

By embracing recycling and proper waste management, we can all play a vital role in safeguarding our environment for generations to come.

Source: l’Express