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This paper
presents the findings of an assessment study on electronic waste (e-waste)
management in Morocco,
which was conducted between October
2007 and July 2008. The study is being supported by Hewlett Packard (HP), the
Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) and the Swiss Institute for Materials Science and Technology
(Empa), and is conducted by the Moroccan Cleaner Production Centre (CMPP).
While the study takes a national view on policy affecting e-waste in Morocco, its
main focus will be on the most economically active region of the country. It
focuses on desktop and laptop computers, mobile phones and television sets.
Through data analysis, a literature review, field visits and interviews, as
well as a series of stakeholder workshops, the study aims to define the most
relevant stakeholders, to map e-waste flows and stocks in the capital, and to
identify formal and informal actors in the e-waste recovery and recycling chain. Amongst
other things, it will look into the consequence of the high economic
development rate of the country, and assess the social, economic and
environmental impacts, including health and safety issues for e-waste
recyclers. Early assessments suggest that while the Moroccan authorities are
aware of the e-waste challenge, mechanisms to deal effectively with e-waste are not
yet in place, though recent environmental legislation has been adopted.
Moreover, it seems that thus the important volumes of e-waste generated; only
some basic fractions are recovered. Finally, the study seeks to develop a
roadmap for the country to deal with the e-waste challenge
lying ahead and to propose the big lines for a pilot dismantling plant to be
implemented.
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