HP leads the way on resolving electronic recycling challenges in Africa

HP today announced the launch of a project with the Global Digital Global Solidarity Fund (DSF) and the Swiss Institute for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) to address the growing problem of electronic waste in Africa. This collaboration aims to both reduce potential health and environmental hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic waste and create jobs in disadvantaged communities.

As IT use and its contribution to economic growth in Africa increases, so too does the amount of electronic waste. Whilst electronic equipment is harmless during its life, the presence of substances like mercury and lead can pose risks if it is incorrectly recycled. Yet, valuable substances, such as gold and copper, can be harvested from old electronic goods. This has spawned an efficient informal sector which recycles much of this waste.

To tackle this problem HP, DSF and Empa are undertaking analysis and providing support for improved recycling processes over the coming year. The project aims to develop a blueprint for electronic waste management in Africa in conjunction with existing recycling schemes, with the proposal for large scale deployment due in December 2008. The initial phase consists of a pilot project in South Africa together with an analysis of existing practices in Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia.

"We see this project as a means to help develop an infrastructure to safely deal with electronic waste based on local habits and structures'', said Klaus Hieronymi, heading the HP Environment Business Management Organisation for HP Europe Middle East and Africa. "We hope that this initial analysis will enable us to create a widespread public private partnership (PPP) that will not only improve health and environmental standards, but also help disadvantaged communities by promoting skills and creating jobs."

"This issue requires a specifically tailored solution. Given the number of people involved in the informal sector we are looking to develop effective methods of dealing with waste that will allow this sector to flourish in a safe and sustainable manner," said Dr. Mathias Schluep, project manager for Sustainable Technology Cooperation from Empa.

"Through our experience of working with local communities and with the support of HP and Empa, we aim to effectively tackle the often neglected issue of electronic waste in Africa. By addressing the waste issue, and knowing that the equipment itself will not have a detrimental effect at the end of its useful life, we can concentrate on promoting the use of IT as a development tool in Africa," added Cissé Kane, DSF E-waste project manager.

This project follows on from HP's previous initiatives in Africa with organisations such as UNESCO and NEPAD.

About the Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) The Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) is the only international organisation entirely dedicated to reducing the digital divide. Its objective is to equip the developing world with the means to access the knowledge society. Through access to ICT and valuable content, the DSF works at community level to promote the development of marginalised populations. The DSF collaborates with local and national authorities, the private sector, international organisations and NGOs, as well as civil society. More information on the DSF is available at www.dsf-fsn.org

About Empa Empa is the multidisciplinary research institute for material science and technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) domain. Empa is specialised in applications-oriented research and development, as well as in offering services to help solving demanding problems in the fields of sustainable materials science and technology. The Technology and Society Lab analyses the impacts of technological developments on society and the environment and hosts among other activities the technical monitoring team for the Swiss e-waste management system. Empa is leading the Swiss Global e-waste Programme, which aims at building capacities for e-waste management in developing economies (www.ewasteguide.info). More information on Empa is available at www.empa.ch/tsl

About HP HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers - from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world's largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $100.5 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2007. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com