WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNO-ECONOMIC DECISION SUPPORT TOO

DISCLAIMER:

The following decision support tools are designed to provide users with guidance to make continuous a
their waste management systems and to inform investment decisions relating to sustainable waste recy

Users are encouraged to revisit and review these decision support tools over time to ensure that the mo
captured. The guidance encourages your company to attempt move towards management options whic
environmental or social benefits. This follows the principle of the waste management hierarchy ('three
such that the company should first attempt to reduce (or avoid generating waste), re-use or recycle prio
incineration, waste-to-energy or landfill disposal options that in almost all cases pose some risk to publ

Note that some recommendations may not be feasible or relevant to your specific use-case or in your sp
due to technical, infrastructural or institutional constraints. If in doubt, you are advised to obtain speci
or investing in a new waste management solution.

Please note that this tool was designed to be interactive and therefore is not fit for printi

WASTE CHARACTERISATION STUDY GUIDANCE

IMPORTANT

CDC highly recommends that partner companies conduct a waste characterisation study prior to review
Collecting and analysing waste characterisation data (e.g. the weight/proportion of each waste type in y
will greatly assist the company in identifying and investing in the most suitable waste management and
in your location.

Below is a simple waste register tool that allows you to quantify the volume of waste you produce. Usin
select the most appropriate decision tool. Please click the icon below.

WASTE REGISTRY
Key benefits of collecting waste characterisation data include:

• Helping the company determine whether investments in on-site recycling or recovery technologies ar
enough raw material is being produced to make efficient use of production and operating capacities and

• Helping the company secure beneficial partnerships with third party recycling companies. The compa
itself effectively as a potential raw material supplier to recycling companies and negotiate trading rates
materials.

• Understanding the average quantity of organic waste and natural waste that is generated in the compa
suitable composting, waste-to-energy or safe disposal solutions, while also helping to minimise the rate
organic waste may cause to other waste types (e.g. the contamination of dry paper recyclables, by wet o

• Segregating all waste produced via a waste characterisation study can help the company to identify an
previously unidentified or accidently mixed into the general waste stream. This allows the company to i
to safely and legally manage hazardous/dangerous waste.

WASTE CHARACTERISATION METHODOLOGIES

The key benefit for the company in relation to the CDC Decision Support Tools will be to understand w
you are producing and in what quantities. This will allow you to make informed decisions on the most a
way to manage your solid waste.

To do so, the company can use one or all the methodologies suggested below. In addition, it can use the
further guidance (if needed):

1. US-EPA Guidance

2. UNEP Guidance

METHODOLOGY DESCRIPTION PROS

 • Wide-participation from
company.
Company staff/employees or senior
• Useful benchmark when
management conduct a survey on
comparing against a
1. Qualitative Surveying their perceptions of waste
quantitative study (e.g.
characterisation (e.g. main waste
comparing perceptions on
streams and estimated quantities).
waste generation against actual
figures and characterisation).

All company staff/employees

participate in segragating the waste
• Wide-participation from
as soon as it is generating using the
2. Waste separation by company.
various bins provided in line with the
company staff (at individual • Accurate data concerning
waste characterisation categories.
level) characterisation and quantity
These are then weighted by a
of waste produced.
designated person to determine exact
amount of waste generated.

A dedicated team separates waste • Most accurate form of data

into different containers (in line with collection, provided that study
3. Waste separation by
the waste characterisation categories) team have been offered
dedicated team (at company
and weighs these when full in at a training or guidance on how to
level)
central location (e.g. waste and refuse differentiate between various
room of company). typologies and operate a scale.
 S

C DECISION SUPPORT TOOL (CDC) SELECTI

1. WHAT TYPE OF WASTE DO YOU

GENERATE?
guidance to make continuous and iterative improvements to
elating to sustainable waste recycling or recovery options.

over time to ensure that the most up-to-date information is

ards management options which generate the greatest
management hierarchy ('three Rs': reduce, reuse, recycle)
ng waste), re-use or recycle prior to considering
all cases pose some risk to public and environmental health.

ur specific use-case or in your specific location (geography)

you are advised to obtain specialist advice before attempting 2. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, REFER
TO THE INFOGRPAHIC BELOW
THAT CLEARLY IDENTIFIES EACH
WASTE STREAM USING IMAGES
herefore is not fit for printing.

N STUDY GUIDANCE

cterisation study prior to reviewing guidance in this tool.

oportion of each waste type in your general waste stream)
suitable waste management and recovery options available

ume of waste you produce. Using this information, you can

ling or recovery technologies are worthwhile (e.g. whether
ion and operating capacities and costs).

ecycling companies. The company will be able to present

nies and negotiate trading rates for various recyclable

e that is generated in the company can help to identify

lso helping to minimise the rate of contamination that
dry paper recyclables, by wet organic material).

help the company to identify any hazardous wastes that were

m. This allows the company to initiate the necessary actions

N METHODOLOGIES

rt Tools will be to understand which general waste type/class

nformed decisions on the most appropriate and cost-effective

below. In addition, it can use the following documents for

PROS CONS
Wide-participation from
mpany.
Useful benchmark when
mparing against a
uantitative study (e.g.
mparing perceptions on
aste generation against actual
gures and characterisation).
• Based on personal opinions
and perceptions.
• May be inaccurate.
• Staff/employees may not
know how to participate or
carry out the study.

• Prone to the risk of

staff/employees not
Wide-participation from
participating or following
mpany.
guidance.
Accurate data concerning
• Staff/employees may not
haracterisation and quantity
know how to participate.
waste produced.
• Staff time/costs associated
with conducting the study

• Low participation levels from

company. Data collection and
Most accurate form of data
analysis is conducted by small
llection, provided that study
study team.
am have been offered
• Staff time/costs associated
aining or guidance on how to
with conducting the study
fferentiate between various
(higher than when attempting
pologies and operate a scale.
to separate waste at source -
see above)
 SCROLL RIGHT

SELECTING THE RIGHT TOOL BASED ON THE WASTE PRODUCED

1. WHAT TYPE OF WASTE DO YOU

GENERATE? a. CONSTRUCITON AND
d. HAZARDOUS (E-WASTE)
DEMOLITION

b. MIXED PAPER e. HAZARDOUS (CHEMICAL)

c. MIXED PLASTICS f. HAZARDOUS (MEDICAL)

2. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, REFER
TO THE INFOGRPAHIC BELOW
THAT CLEARLY IDENTIFIES EACH
WASTE STREAM USING IMAGES
3. ONCE YOU HAVE 4. IF MORE THAN ONE WASTE
IDENTIFIED THE CORRECT STREAM WAS IDENTIFIED, OPEN
WASTE STREAM, OPEN EACH FILE ACCORDINGLY.
AND READ THROUGH THE
RELEVANT FILE.

WASTE STREAM VISUAL CLASSIFICATION

 SCROLL RIGHT

STE PRODUCED

The waste hierarchy is an international best pract

management option with the greatest environmenta
WASTE)
g. NATURAL & PROCESSED designed to reflect this waste hierarchy. The questio
ORGANIC method for avoiding or managing waste produced fr
to see if you can avoid waste management options at
and recycling over time.
EMICAL)

EDICAL)

REDUCE
WASTE 5. FOLLOW THE TOOL AND
ED, OPEN COMPLETE THE STEPS OF
GLY. THE WASTE HIERARCHY
(SEE BELOW). REUSE

ION

METHOD DESC

The minimisation of waste

quantity required to be tre
REDUCE usually achieved through b
process management

The reuse of waste and non

REUSE times as possible, to avoid
these items.
 The reuse of waste and non
REUSE times as possible, to avoid
these items.

The recycling of waste ma

commodities (e.g. baled pa
RECYCLE manufacturing of new-line
and recycled products (e.g

The recovery of energy or h

RECOVERY burning, digestion or other

The sanitary dumping of w

DISPOSAL landfills.
 SCROLL RIGHT

WASTE HIERARCHY

n international best practice hierarchy for waste management. It is designed to guide you towards the waste
he greatest environmental benefit/positive impact first (where feasible). The decision support tree below is
te hierarchy. The questions should be followed in order, from top to bottom, until you find the most appropriate
naging waste produced from the company's operations. You should continuously review and revisit these options
e management options at lower levels of the decision tree/waste hierarchy; and increase waste reduction, reuse

Most
favoured
REDUCE option

REUSE

RECYCLE

RECOVER
Least
favoured
option
DISPOSE

DESCRIPTION
he minimisation of waste at its source to minimise the
uantity required to be treated and disposed of. This is
ually achieved through better product design and/or
ocess management
EXAMPLES
Working with suppliers and distribution partners to
reduce the quantity of raw material needed for
production or adopting technologies which result in less
wasteful operational processes (e.g. using electric hand
dryers over paper towels to reduce the amount of paper
waste).

he reuse of waste and non-waste materials as many

For example the reuse of sand, soil and concrete
mes as possible, to avoid any requirement to dispose of
aggregates as new feedstock for production processes.
ese items.
he reuse of waste and non-waste materials as many
For example the reuse of sand, soil and concrete
mes as possible, to avoid any requirement to dispose of
aggregates as new feedstock for production processes.
ese items.

Investment in recycling equipment/technology to

he recycling of waste materials into tradable process waste material into a form in which there is
mmodities (e.g. baled paper, shredded plastic) or the market demand for its re-use. e.g. shredding used
anufacturing of new-line items from heavily processed plastic bottles into plastic chips for re-sale into recycling
nd recycled products (e.g. extrusion). markets.

he recovery of energy or heat through controlled For example the adoption of biomass stoves or the use
urning, digestion or other processing of waste material. of industrial waste-to-energy plants.

Legal contracting of licensed waste transporters and

he sanitary dumping of waste at specially engineered dumpers, that provide clear evidence of dumping at
ndfills. approved, sanitary landfills (e.g. dumping receipts,
weigh bridge slips).
 you towards the waste
support tree below is
u find the most appropriate
ew and revisit these options
ase waste reduction, reuse

MPLES
d distribution partners to
material needed for
hnologies which result in less
ses (e.g. using electric hand
reduce the amount of paper

nd, soil and concrete

k for production processes.
uipment/technology to
a form in which there is
se. e.g. shredding used
hips for re-sale into recycling

f biomass stoves or the use

gy plants.

d waste transporters and

evidence of dumping at
(e.g. dumping receipts,
 E-WASTE HIERARCHY DECISION TREE

The tool provides in-depth guidance to the reduction, reuse and safe disposal options for various types of e

Below you will find the Decision Tree which will act as a map, directing you through the guidance contai
questions presented in the Decision Tree, you can follow links to more detailed guidance by clicking on the
answer each question. The tool is designed so that you can explore best practice options for managing e-w
the guidance if you have a waste management option or 'use case' for which you require further informatio

DECISION TREE – E-WASTE MANAGEMEN

Does the company produce mixed electronic NO Refer to the waste s

waste (e.g. monitors, lighting, computers)?
visual classfication
'Homepage' ta
Refer to 'E-waste' diagram (right)

YES

Are you aware of current legal requirements to

NO
Refer to 'Legislatio
managing hazardous waste in your country

YES

NO Refer to 'Reduce
Have you explored any waste reduction options
for e-waste? Investigate various o
available.

YES

YES Refer to 'Reuse | Re

Is it possible to reuse or recycle the e-waste you tab
produce? Can the company reuse/
waste in its current

NO
 YES Refer to 'Recover
Is there an existing third-party energy recovery,
heat recovery or incineration facility that you use
to dispose of waste? Can this facility treat t
that you produce and ar
to negotiate an
arrangement/contract
NO third-party service pro
your e-waste?

Refer to 'Dispose

Prioritise dumping at a
landfill where avail

N.B.
If final disposal opt
limited/unsuitable
review options
managing your w

Could you reduce, re

recycle more of your

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS (TERMINOLOGY)

Companies should pay careful attention to the diverse range of waste types that may be included in e-wast
example: various types of batteries (lead, alkaline, molten-salt), refrigerator and cooling units that may sti
gold, copper, tin, silver) and highly hazardous metals (e.g. mercury, lead).
CISION TREE

options for various types of electronic waste (e-waste).

through the guidance contained in the tool. As you follow the

d guidance by clicking on the boxes, depending on how you
e options for managing e-waste. You can skip sections of
u require further information.

E MANAGEMENT

Refer to the waste stream

visual classfication on the
'Homepage' tab

Refer to 'Legislation' tab

Refer to 'Reduce' tab

Investigate various options

available.

Refer to 'Reuse | Recycling' Refer to 'Reuse | Recycling'

tab
NO tab
Can the company reuse/recycle e- Are you able to sell or give away
waste in its current form? the waste for reuse/recycling ?
 Refer to 'Recovery' tab

Can this facility treat the waste

that you produce and are you able
to negotiate an
arrangement/contract with the
third-party service provider for
your e-waste?

NO

Refer to 'Dispose' tab

Prioritise dumping at a sanitary

landfill where available.

N.B.
If final disposal options are
limited/unsuitable, please
review options for
managing your waste.

Could you reduce, reuse, or

recycle more of your waste?

ERMINOLOGY)

t may be included in e-waste. These may include, for

nd cooling units that may still use freon, valuable metals (e.g.
 LEGISLATION
The following resource outlines general laws and regulations for managing hazardous waste.

Geographies with available legal guidance:

Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania

Asia: India, Bangladesh

Please be advised that all laws and regulations of countries not included in this document should be res

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Hazardous Waste
Legislative
Frameworks
TION
ardous waste.

document should be researched by the user of this toolkit.

RESOURCES
 WASTE TYPE

WASTE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

All sectors: Computer, television, mobile phone and audio/visual equipmen

or maintained (e.g. via light repair work) to avoid the unnecessary produ
MONITORS, with new phone.
TELEVISIONS,
LAPTOPS, MOBILE Where such devices are not necessary, avoid purchasing these.
PHONES, AUDIO
EQUIPMENT, AND Where renting/leasing services are available, please pursue this instead
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
 All sectors: Printer and printing waste can often be mitigated via the phasin
correspondence and filing solutions (e.g. reducing the need and depen
SCANNERS,
PRINTERS, COPIERS
Where such devices are not necessary, avoid purchasing these.
& INK CARTRIDGES
Where renting/leasing services are available, please pursue this instead

All sectors: The dependence and use of disposable batteries can be avoided
BATTERIES
or direct power devices (e.g. devices that are plugged directly into a sour

LIGHTBULBS AND All sectors: The use of long-life and LED lightbulbs can help businesses
LIGHT FIXTURES producing lower quantities of waste.

A
 WASTE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS: REDUCE

NSIDERATIONS

audio/visual equipment can often be updated (software updates)

d the unnecessary production of e-waste by upgrading or replacing

hasing these.

ease pursue this instead.

mitigated via the phasing in of paperless/electronic
cing the need and dependence on printer technology and materials).

hasing these.

ease pursue this instead.

atteries can be avoided via the use of rechargeable batteries,

gged directly into a source of electricity).

bs can help businesses to incur lower utility expenses while also

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

None
E

STEP-BY-STEP ACTION GUIDANCE

1. Ensure the company has clear records of all its electronic assets, their type, date of
purchase, warranty (if applicable), maintenance supplier (if appliable) and summary of
any past issues.

2. Determine whether the technology can be updated or repaired before discarding the
product.

3. Where appropiate, update and repair the technology. Make sure that you record the
issue, who repaired it and when its due for maintenance.

4. To avoid the need of repair or maintenance, instruct professionals on how to operate

and maintain the technology and provide users manuals and troubleshooting (e.g.
manufacturer support). This will help increase the life of the product and avoid the
need for replacement. The user manual that came with the equipment may provide
details on steps you can take to prolong the life of the equipment.

5. Where the technology is stationary (i.e. computer, television), ensure that these are
stored or operated in dry, cool environments by purchasing dehumidifiers and air
conditioning units.

6. Plug electric items into safe power surge protection sockets and adapters, to avoid
electric damage to electronics.

7. Where devices repeatedly fail, consider purchasing alternative brand for future new
devices, even if it costs slightly higher. The CAPEX may pay back in avoided repair and
maintenance costs.

8. Prior to purchasing any new devices, make sure that there are no clear alternatives
such as renting/leasing the product instead.
1. Ensure the company has a clear leger of all its printers, their type, date of purchase,
warranty (if applicable), maintenance supplier (if appliable) and track record of any
past issues.

2. Where possible, avoid the need to purchase printers and instead seek a printer
rental/leasing company.

3. Pre-disposal, determine whether the printer can be updated or repaired before

discarding the product.

4. Where appropiate, update and repair the printer. Make sure that you record the
issue, who repaired it and when its due for maintenance.

5. Reduce printer and printing materials procurement and use, and phase in designs
for electronic documentation and online/tablet based correspondence systems. To
reduce printer paper waste, please refer to the 'Paper Decision Support' tool.

6. Protect the printers by managing the climate (e.g. dehumidifiers, air conditioning)
and using power surge protection adapters, to avoid electric damage.

1. Identify which equipment depend on disposable batteries.

2. Replace disposable battery equipment and technology with direct electricity supply
or rechargeable battery solutions.

3. Consult professional guidance and user manuals for proper use of electronic
equipment (including specific advice for batteries) to increase battery life and avoid the
need for replacement. The user manual that came with the equipment may provide
details on steps you can take to prolong the life of the equipment.

1. Identify which lighting fixtures and technologies are using standard lightbulbs.

2. Procure and install long-life and LED light-bulbs to replace standard lighting
fixtures.
 WASTE TYPE CONSIDERA

WASTE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

MONITORS, All sectors: Old, functioning electronic equipment normally retains value an
TELEVISIONS, at scale internally (i.e. among staff) or externally (e.g. donation to schools, li
LAPTOPS, MOBILE are safe to remove can also be reused in new electronic components (e
PHONES, AUDIO
EQUIPMENT, AND Companies should not distribute or provide broken or dangerous com
AUDIO EQUIPMENT require reassembly or repair) unless they are qualified on how to repair such

All sectors: Ink cartridges can often be reused, where ink refilling servic
SCANNERS, printing equipment normally retains value in industrialising economies and
PRINTERS, COPIERS internally (i.e. among staff) or externally (e.g. donation to schools, librar
& INK CARTRIDGES
Companies should not distribute or provide broken or dangerous com
require reassembly or repair) unless they are qualified on how to repair such
 All sectors: Rechargeable batteries can be reused given the purpose of their
BATTERIES
batteries should also be considered.

All sectors: Lightbulbs cannot be reused however it may be possible to

recycling centre.
LIGHTBULBS AND
LIGHT FIXTURES
Lighting waste can often be recycled via "take-back" schemes through p
channels. In some countries this is also applicable to solar panels.

ADDITI

Manual 3: WEEE / E-W

TE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS: REUSE | RECYCLING

NSIDERATIONS

ormally retains value and therefore can be reused efficiently and

g. donation to schools, libraries). Specific e-waste components that
tronic components (e.g. drives, memory, RAM, discs).

en or dangerous components of e-waste to staff (e.g. that

ed on how to repair such technology.

ere ink refilling services exist. Old, functioning electronic

rialising economies and can be reused efficiently and at scale
nation to schools, libraries).

en or dangerous components of e-waste to staff (e.g. that

ed on how to repair such technology.
iven the purpose of their design. Recycling opportunities for used

r it may be possible to recycle used lightbulbs at a specialist

ck" schemes through public or manufacturer / distributor

o solar panels.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Manual 3: WEEE / E-Waste “Take Back System”. IETC, 2011

G

STEP-BY-STEP ACTION GUIDANCE

1. Identify and clear memory/data of functioning electronic equipment.

2. Donate functioning electronic equipment or components within the

company (i.e. among internal staff/employees) or third-parties who are
able to safely reuse the assets in-line with manufacturer guidance.

3. Explore if there is an existing take-back scheme being implemented at

government (i.e. at a public waste transfer station), distributor (i.e.
distribution kiosks) or producer level (i.e. manufacturers
factor/headquarters). If there is none, explore opportunities for the
company (e.g. internal capacity, strategic investment) to set up its own
take-back scheme.

4. Consider whether there are reusable parts that can be safely

removed/replaced without specialist knowledge or equipment - consult
the user manual for the equipment.

1. Safely store empty ink cartridges for refilling and refill when in need.

2. Identify and clear memory/data of functioning electronic equipment.

3. Donate functioning electronic equipment or components within the

company (i.e. among internal staff/employees) or third-parties who are
able to safely reuse the assets in-line with manufacturer guidance.
 1. Ensure that there are enough rechargeable batteries to meet demand.

2. Ensure that rechargeable batteries are not over charged or charged

improperly. Consult user guidance and contact troubleshooting support
from the manufacturer.

3. Conduct research to establish whether there is a specialist recycling

centre locally who would accept the used batteries.

4. Store and save the used batteries to give or sell to a specialist recycling
centre where one exists.

1. Conduct research to establish whether there is a specialist recycling

centre locally who would accept the used lightbulbs.

2. Store and save the lightbulbs to give or sell to a specialist recycling

centre where one exists.

3. Determine whether take-back schemes will be implemented at

government (e.g. at a public waste transfer station), distributor (e.g.
distribution kiosks) or producer level (e.g. manufacturers factor /
headquarters).

4. How are take-back models administered and governed? Are third

parties, responsible for collections, mandated to collect devices within a
certain catchment area? Do consumers have a limited warranty period in
which they can utilise the take-back offer?

5. Study and understand consumer behavior and preferences at to where

they would be willing to take their appliances for repair or exchange.

2011
Comment on solar panels in
B6 - veronica will check with
Nomsa
 WASTE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS: RECOVERY (WAS

WASTE TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

MONITORS,
TELEVISIONS,
LAPTOPS,
MOBILE
PHONES, AUDIO
EQUIPMENT,
AND AUDIO
EQUIPMENT

SCANNERS, All sectors: WtE & Incineration is often the only or least harmful solution in
PRINTERS, developing countries for disposing of e-waste. Companies should review 'reduce' and
COPIERS & INK 'reuse | recycle' options prior to proceeding and carefully consider the guidance belo
CARTRIDGES
Environmental: WtE and Incineration of hazardous waste types is normally a
hazardous and dirty waste management practice (e.g. release of harmful air
pollutants). Only under certain conditions will incineration result in low
environmental impact - i.e. low emissions that result from incineration under
controlled conditions and very high temperatures using approved technology.

Economic: The potential economic returns of incinerating waste as a fuel or heatin

source remain low where inappropriate technology is used to incinerate waste i.e.
incineration systems that are incapable of capturing, storing, and distributing energy
recovered from the burning of waste.
BATTERIES
Social: The incineration of non-hazardous waste prevents sustainable and clean,
reuse and recycling options that, in turn, create job opportunities.
 Social: The incineration of non-hazardous waste prevents sustainable and clean,
reuse and recycling options that, in turn, create job opportunities.

LIGHTBULBS
AND LIGHT
FIXTURES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
None
E CONSIDERATIONS: RECOVERY (WASTE-TO-ENERGY)

SIDERATIONS

en the only or least harmful solution in

e-waste. Companies should review 'reduce' and
eeding and carefully consider the guidance below.

tion of hazardous waste types is normally a

ent practice (e.g. release of harmful air
tions will incineration result in low
sions that result from incineration under
emperatures using approved technology.

returns of incinerating waste as a fuel or heating

ate technology is used to incinerate waste i.e.
ble of capturing, storing, and distributing energy

rdous waste prevents sustainable and clean,

urn, create job opportunities.
 rdous waste prevents sustainable and clean,
urn, create job opportunities.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
None
Y (WASTE-TO-ENERGY)

STEP-BY-STEP ACTION GUIDANCE

Note: there is NO Step-by-Step Action Guidance for this section.

Incineration of hazardous eWaste is a task that requires

comprehensive knowledge & skill in respect of chemistry, thermal
engineering and environmental engineering. Therefore where
incineration is seen as the sole option for safe disposal, companies
should seek to approach and partner with companies that operate in-
house incineration with or without energy recovery options. Firms that
use incinerators may include: construction and demolition companies
(e.g. cement and clay production), ports (e.g. airports, container ports)
and hospitals / large clinics. You should ensure that you have consent
from the relevant authorities - local government, government agency
responsible for regulating waste disposal and management.

When approaching centralised incinerator facilities, such as

those detailed above, it is important to determine whether
the incineration technology being used is adequate to ensure
the proper breakdown of toxic, hazardous substances.
According to EU and US-EPA best practice, and to ensure
safe and controlled burning, incineration plants should
ensure that their flue gases reach a temperature of between
800 C - 1200C. Common incinerator types that could be
used for the incineration of e-waste at these temperatures
include: rotary kilns; fluidised bed units; liquid injection
units; or fixed hearth units.

If your company has reason to believe through discussions

with the incinerator operators, that unsafe incineration
practices are being carried out (i.e. open burning) or the
high temperatures above are not being met or you have
doubts around the safety /integrity of incineration
procedures - consider other safe disposal options for your e-
waste.
 include: rotary kilns; fluidised bed units; liquid injection
units; or fixed hearth units.

If your company has reason to believe through discussions

with the incinerator operators, that unsafe incineration
practices are being carried out (i.e. open burning) or the
high temperatures above are not being met or you have
doubts around the safety /integrity of incineration
procedures - consider other safe disposal options for your e-
waste.

URCES
 DISPOSE: DUMPSITE / LANDFILL T

The disposal of e-waste at landfills or dumpsites is an extremely hazardous practice, that po

public health, even when disposed of in a sanitary, engineered landfill site. Developing coun
disposal solutions for e-waste and are unable to export the waste or contract foreign safe di
Businesses should avoid disposing any of their hazardous e-waste at landfills or dumpsites
waste (e.g. computer housing, plastic parts) via other tools.

Where absolutely no alternative option is available for the disposal of hazardous waste, companies may wi
landfills. Sanitary and engineered landfill sites, in certain cases, provide special sections/cells within their
not available, or your company has reason to believe that a sanitary or engineered landfill site is not availa
options for the safe disposal of their hazardous waste.

Where companies contract third parties for disposal services, it is strongly recommended that the compan
activities. Specific documentation and records that it should request from their service providers include:

• Copies of the transportation dumping or waste operators license that a waste contractor must normally m

• Copies of official dumping slips that a waste contractor will normally receive from the authority managin
information on weight/volumes of waste that can help you to understand the quantity of waste they are dis
the waste has been dumped at an official and publicly managed site).

TYPE OF LANDFILL
You should understand the differences between the various types of dumpsites or landfills that may be ope
despose your waste. The table below outlines key defining characteristics of each type of dumpsite/landfill
landfill, listed first:

A sanitary landfill is the safest disposal facility available as this is where waste is isolated
biologically, chemically and physically. In practice what this means that the site must me

1) Full or partial isolation of waste from the surrounding soil/groundwater;

2) Have been formally 'engineered';
3) Be permanently controlled by staff based at the landfill;
4) Waste should be placed, compacted and covered to minimise exposure and make it less

You should at all costs avoid dumping your waste at facilities listed in the orange or red rows of the table
risk to environmental or public health. If you are unsure what type of dumpsite is located close to you, you
further more detailed guidance, see the link below:

GIZ. Operator Models - Dis

OPERATION & LEACHATE

DUMPSITE / LANDFILL
ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

Registration and placement/

compaction of waste; uses daily Containment and
cover and closure; proper leachate treatment (often
Sanitary landfill
siting, infrastructure; liner and biological and physical-
leachate treatment in place and chemical treatment).
post- closure plan.

Registration and placement/

Contaminant and some
compaction of waste; uses daily
level of leachate
Engineered landfill / cover material; surface and
treatment; reduced
controlled landfill groundwater monitoring;
leachate volume through
infrastructure and liner in
waste cover.
place.
 Registration and placement/
compaction of waste; surface Unrestricted contaminant
Controlled dumpsite
water monitoring; no release
engineering measures.

Few controls; some directed

Semi-controlled placement of waste; informal Unrestricted contaminant
dumpsite waste picking; no engineering release
measures.

No controls; informal waste

Uncontrolled Unrestricted contaminant
picking; no engineering
dumpsite release
measures.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC GUID

Examples of different types of landfills and dumpsites available in Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Ken
environmental risks are provided below. Further information and guidance on dumpsites globally can also
highlighted as a useful resource for determining the legal and environmental status of dumpsites and land

D-WASTE. WASTE ATL

Online link to the atlas (click

DESCRIPTION OF DISPOSAL SITES IN SE

: DUMPSITE / LANDFILL TYPE GUIDANCE

hazardous practice, that poses severe implications and risks to the surrounding environment and
ndfill site. Developing countries do not normally have the infrastructural capacity to provide safe
e or contract foreign safe disposal service providers due to being party to the Basel Convention.
e at landfills or dumpsites and follow guidance for the management of other non-hazardous e-

dous waste, companies may wish to explore options for the disposal of hazardous waste at engineered sanitary
ecial sections/cells within their landfill for the disposal of hazardous waste types. If these special sections/cells are
neered landfill site is not available - then the company should further review reduction, reuse and incineration

recommended that the company requests or takes initiative to build a clear and consistent record of disposal
heir service providers include:

aste contractor must normally maintain and renew with their respective environmental authority.

ive from the authority managing the dumpsite upon entering the dumpsite or landfill. These slips normally include
he quantity of waste they are disposing of as well as an official stamp from the municipal authority (confirming that

TYPE OF LANDFILL
 ites or landfills that may be operating in your city/country to help you reach an informed decision on where to
each type of dumpsite/landfill/disposal facility with the most environmentally friendly option, sanitary

s is where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe i.e. completely degraded
means that the site must meet four basic conditions:

roundwater;

exposure and make it less accessible to pests and vermin.

range or red rows of the table below as the environmental impact of doing so will be greater and likely result in
psite is located close to you, you should use the definition of 'physical characteristics' to help you confirm. For

GIZ. Operator Models - Disposal

LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATION

Flaring or utilisation with or

Use with caution
without energy recovery

Passive ventilation or flaring Use with caution

 None Do not use.

None Do not use.

None Do not use.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

a, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, India and Bangladesh and how businesses should act in respect of legal and
on dumpsites globally can also be found in the following database managed by D-Waste. While the Waste Atlas is
al status of dumpsites and landfills, companies should assess and verify dumpsites and landfills themselves.

D-WASTE. WASTE ATLAS

Online link to the atlas (click here)

OF DISPOSAL SITES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES

Document
and risks to the surrounding environment and
ave the infrastructural capacity to provide safe
due to being party to the Basel Convention.
the management of other non-hazardous e-

disposal of hazardous waste at engineered sanitary

zardous waste types. If these special sections/cells are
ld further review reduction, reuse and incineration

to build a clear and consistent record of disposal

r respective environmental authority.

g the dumpsite or landfill. These slips normally include

al stamp from the municipal authority (confirming that
o help you reach an informed decision on where to
ost environmentally friendly option, sanitary

until it is safe i.e. completely degraded

ermin.

impact of doing so will be greater and likely result in

'physical characteristics' to help you confirm. For

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Fencing, demarcation around perimeter of

landfill
• Flood management infrastructure (e.g.
drainage canals)
• Energy recovery or methane mitigation
(e.g. flaring, WtE)
• Weighbridge and administration (e.g.
office, security)
 • Fencing, demarcation around perimeter of
dumpsite
• Weighbridge and dumpsite administration
(e.g. security)

• Few controls; some directed placement of

waste; informal waste picking; no
engineering measures.

d how businesses should act in respect of legal and

atabase managed by D-Waste. While the Waste Atlas is
s and verify dumpsites and landfills themselves.
 KEY MARKET ACTORS
The following table provides a selection of high-level public and private sector actors working within the w
India.

Key Market Actors (Geography: W

City Actor Actor Type Duties
Lagos Waste
Municipal Licensing, contracting, municipal
Lagos Management
Government by laws
Authority

West Africa Operator of largest materials

Lagos Corporate
ENRG recovery facility

SME performing waste collection

and recycling solutions to small
Lagos Wecyclers SME
businesses and informal
residential properties

SME performing waste collection

and recycling solutions to small
Lagos RecyclePoints SME
businesses and informal
residential properties

National government authority

responsible for enforcement and
Abuja NESREA Government
oversight of legislative
frameworks.

Dedicated collection networks for

e-waste, registers and supports
Lagos Sunray Ventures SME informal value chain participants
and develops processing facilities
for the collected e-waste

Key Market Actors (Geography: E

 City Actor Actor Type Duties

Recycling services to large waste

Dar es Salaam The Recycler SME
producers (hotels, industries)

Dar es Salaam Nipe Fagio SME Advocacy and policy guidance

Support to civil society and

Dar es Salaam BORDA NGO
informal sector waste collectors

Management of public waste

Dar es Salaam Municipal
Dar es Salaam collection services, infrastructure
City Council Government
and enforcement of bylaws

National authority responsible for

enforcing national environmental
legislation and approving
Dar es Salaam NEMA Government
relevant permits and
environmental permissions (e.g.
EIAs).

Bespoke waste management for

Dar es Salaam Phenix Recycling SME
businesses

Environmentally safe and secure

Nairobi EnviroServe SME
recycling services

Offers environmentally friendly

recycling services to the general
Nairobi WEEE Centre SME public, business, learning
institutions, government offices
and NGOs.
 Provide a safe disposal option
Nairobi EWIK NGO across the country through our
networks

Collects and recycles waste paper

Kamongo Waste across Eastern Africa. Provide
Nairobi SME
Paper door to door transport services all
over Kenya.

Key Market Actors (Geography

City Actor Actor Type Duties

Coordination of the Safai Sena

New Delhi Chintan NGO, Cooperative
Waste Pickers Cooperative

Advocacy, policy guidance and

New Delhi HRA eWaste Civil Society direct safe disposal services for
electronic waste.

Enable responsible disposal of

Mumbai RESPOSE SME different types of waste through
enviro-clean recycling methods

Provides end-to-end seamlessly

Mumbai Ecoreco SME integrated solution for e-waste
management

Key Market Actors - Operate from outsi

City Actor Actor Type Duties
 Supports the management of e-
waste, secondary resources and
Weybridge Sofies SME
urban mining and municipal and
industrial waste.

Global Off-Grid Lighting

Utrecht GOGLA SME
Association
MARKET ACTORS
tors working within the waste management and recycling sector in West Africa, East Africa and

ors (Geography: West Africa)

Contact Post Department Telephone/Email

Bode Fanamo HoD R&D +2348033857271

Material Recovery
Paul O'Callaghan CEO +2348159197600
Facility

Bilikiss Adebiyi Recyclable Materials

CEO +2348188218217
Abiola Collection

Recyclable Materials
Alison Ukonu CEO +2347064064744
Collection

Miranda Amachree Director Waste Management +2348033222205

Christian Wessels Director Circular Economy christian.h.wessels@gmail.com

ors (Geography: East Africa)

 Contact Post Department Telephone/Email

Matthew Haden Director Recycling +255788241137

Tania Hamilton Director Advocacy +255767708088

Larissa Duma Director Management +255783292770

Municipal Cleaning &

Richard Mbaku Director +2557133241615
Infrastructure

Environmental
Rajabu Ngoda Director Permitting & +255713568435
Enforcement

Athina
Director Waste Management athina@phenixrecycling.com
Kriakopoulou

+254 735 617 057

Shaun Mumford Director Technical Department
shaun@enviroserve.co.ke

Seth Munyambu Manager E-Waste Management seth@weeecentre.com'+254 20 2060919.

 Lawrence Thuo Director E-Waste Management +254782969219

Social Media Paper waste

Daniel Khaoya info@kamongo.co.ke+25420555240 +2542055326
Manager Management

Actors (Geography: India)

Contact Post Department Telephone/email

Programme
Chintan Purohit Waste Management +911146574171
Manager

Electronic Waste
Shashi Bhushan Director +919968413109
Management

+919594312506
Electronic Waste
DB Prabhu Director prabhu.db@resposeindia.co
Management
m

Electronic Waste
B.K. Soni Director +9118001021020bksoni@ecoreco.com
Management

Operate from outside these regions

Contact Post Department Telephone/email
 +41 22 338 15 24
Managing
Federico Magalini Waste Management federico.magalini@sofiesgro
Director
up.com

Programme +31 304 100 914

Drew Corbyn Sustainability
Manager d.corbyn@gogla.org