An evaluation of the green awareness of Zimbabwean companies with regard to the disposal of ICT equipment

Abstract

The appearance of e-waste on our landfill indicates a serious problem regarding the appropriate handling of obsolete equipment. The proliferation of obsolete computers and computer equipment at auction floors, dumps and landfills points to a situation where the system is not being properly managed in Zimbabwe. The problem under investigation is the general lack of legislation in Zimbabwe and also ineffective enforcement of existing regulations, if there are any at all. E-waste contains many hazardous elements which have adverse effects on the environment and living organism if not properly handled. Some of the undesirable effects include air and water pollution and exposure to carcinogenic substances. The main objective was to critically evaluate the awareness Zimbabwean companies of the impact of their ICT Equipment disposal methods within the confines of the existing legal framework.

The research methodology involved the administration of questionnaires, interviews and observations to a sample of organisations. The research used a random sample to select recipients. In this paper the researcher presents findings from his survey, covering registered companies on the awareness of them on the environmental impact of their disposal methods. The paper also examined the existence of e-waste disposal policies supported by sound SHE practices. Findings from this research have shown that Zimbabwean companies are not aware of the environmental impact of e-waste disposal. The findings have also shown that companies are not aware of any laws and regulations governing safe disposal of end of life ICT equipment. IT is recommended that nationwide campaigns on e-waste be carried out. It is also recommended that Zimbabwe does a baseline study to determine the full picture of e-waste in the country. The country also need to have relevant laws and these are already in existence in the region and internationally. The investigation of formal recycling companies was also recommended.