E-Waste a fast growing problem for Tonga [1]
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 15:43. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
A newly created not-for-profit organisation focusing on electronic waste (E-Waste) has been established in Nuku'alofa. The organisation, known as the E-Waste Tonga is developing an e-waste collection and education program along with other initiatives within Tonga.
E-waste is a fast growing problem within Tonga and the Pacific with high numbers of electronics, phones and second hand computers being imported with no plans for safe and effective removal. Tonga and other Pacific Island nations face the issue of dealing with mountains of hazardous e-waste with serious consequences for the environment and public health. These are cause for grave concern for Tonga where agriculture plays an important role in the economy and in supporting the livelihood of the people.
Uepi Lea, Committee member of E-Waste Tonga from the Waste Authority (Ministry of Works) states "E-waste volumes are escalating in Tonga. We need to begin a program of public awareness so Tongans will properly dispose of end-of-life computers, cell phone, televisions, DVD players, copiers, printers, and any other unusable electronics. The Tapuhia Landfill doesn't have the capacity or the proper equipment to deal with heavy metals so Tonga will need to export these hazardous materials."
The E-waste Tonga project aims to drive awareness on the importance of correct e-waste disposal, to encourage involvement in a collection program, and to develop the framework for managing incoming electronics to the Kingdom of Tonga and other Pacific Island nations.
The E-Waste Tonga project will stimulate the creation of new jobs by working closely with GIO Recycling who currently has the only licence to handle hazardous waste within the Kingdom.
E-Waste Tonga is run by dedicated volunteers and is going through a significant growth period, with the approval of funding grants to enable the project to increase its planning and activity within The Kingdom.
E-Waste Tonga is running an Organisational Meeting on April 8th, inviting all persons interested in protecting the environment from the hazardous heavy metals and toxic chemicals found in electronics. The one-hour meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on April 8 at the Tupou Tertiary Institute, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. From this, E-Waste Tonga hope to establish a strong network of individuals committed to driving awareness and assisting the project achieve its long term goal of reducing e-waste within The Kingdom. E-Waste Tonga, 17/03/10.