Electronic waste intended for recycling is being illegally
exported from the United Kingdom to Nigeria disguised as
second-hand goods, according to
Greenpeace.
Greenpeace has exposed how Nigeria has become one of many
destinations for the developed world's toxic e-waste.
"Companies can stop this illegal toxic trade now by ensuring
their goods are free from hazardous components. It is critical they
take full responsibility for the safe recycling of their products
and put an end to the growing e-waste dumps that are poisoning
people and the environment across the developing world," said
Martin Hojsík Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner.
Greenpeace said that thousands of old electronic goods and
components leave the EU for Africa every day, despite regulations
prohibiting the trade in e-waste. Some will be repaired and reused,
but many are beyond repair meaning they will eventually be dumped
in countries where no facilities exist for safe recycling. Europe,
the United States, Japan and South Korea are using developing
countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, India and China, as
toxic e-waste dumping grounds.
