Thousands of people in Ghana They rely on informal recycling of e-waste to survive, an activity that exposes them to ongoing toxic pollution and serious health risks.
In Agbogbloshie, Accra, burning and processing rudimentary electronics supports entire communities and fuels the global circular economy by recovering essential minerals for the energy transition, according to research by the Agbogbloshie Institute in Accra. University of Michigan And the magazine Urban sustainability.
Informal recycling in Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama has emerged as an economic driver for thousands, most of them internal migrants from northern Ghana, where poverty and conflict limit options. the University of Michigan It is estimated that 15% of global e-waste reaches Ghana and most of it is processed outside state regulation. In Agbogbloshie, near 6000 people It works directly in recycling, while some… 30,000 It is indirectly dependent on this industry in the Accra Metropolitan Area.
Field interviews show that the majority of workers are young people, although women and the elderly also participate. The lack of work alternatives and the possibility of sending money to family members is the motivation behind this choice. “I can collect minerals and sell them to bigger companies,” said a 19-year-old worker. “This way I can feed myself and send money to my family.” Another said: “Here we work hard, doing the best we can. There is no one to support us, they treat us as if they don’t love us and we have to look for something else. But what?”, the press release said.
the InformalityAlthough risky, for many it represents the only path to social and economic mobility. This same situation perpetuates the absence of social protection and makes it difficult to recognize its contribution to national economic growth. A worker investigating the investigation explained, “Our work is important to the country as a whole because it contributes to economic growth. The government does not recognize our contribution.”
The recycling process in Agbogbloshie involves burning plastics and using acids to extract metals such as copper, aluminum and lithium-ion batteries. These practices release fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants that settle into the air, soil and nearby lakes, generating Toxic environment For workers and residents. the University of Michigan PM2.5 levels have been reported to be approximately five times the maximum recommended by the World Health Organization, with higher peaks during combustion missions.
Prolonged exposure to these particles Increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and nervous system damage. Women, especially pregnant women, face extreme vulnerability and gender discrimination limits their participation in the industry. A young drinks seller described: “It’s hard to work here. I face a lot of challenges, like when men try to take advantage of me or the smell in the air. It makes me cough a lot. I don’t know if it’s the asthma or the air.”
Despite the risks, Agbagbloshie’s population grew steadily over the past two decades, driven by economic imperatives. Geospatial analysis published in Urban sustainability It reveals a relationship between increasing population density and air pollution levels, showing that the quest for a living trumps long-term health concerns.
the Recovered metals At Agbogbloshie they don’t just support local communities; It has also been integrated into international chains. Local middlemen obtain the materials and resell them to companies in Lebanon, India and Chinato meet global demand for essential minerals for energy transition and decarbonisation.
This flow of materials reveals a paradox: while reuse and recycling are promoted as sustainable practices, Human and environmental costs Located on communities in the Global South. The research highlights that informality in recycling allows developed countries to export their waste without taking responsibilities, perpetuating inequality.
E-waste management in Ghana is characterized by Lack of effective organization The spread of informal activity. Local authorities, such as the Accra City Assembly, have at times resorted to demolitions and mass evictions, displacing thousands without prior consultation, exacerbating instability and lack of trust in institutions.
The study indicates that Informality It affects both the economy, housing and governance. The lack of transparency and traceability in the supply chain makes it difficult to enforce policies and protect labor and environmental rights. Many workers do not know the final destination of materials, and middlemen often operate without clear records or accountability.
Public policies have fluctuated between Repression and inactionWithout addressing the structural causes. Ghana’s e-waste management bill, although it attempts to ban the import and export of hazardous waste, suffers from loopholes that allow harmful practices to continue and the criminalization of informal workers.
the University of Michigan It points to the urgent need for strategies that recognize the centrality of informal activity and mitigate its negative impacts. Proposals include providing safe tools for dismantling cables and displays Controlled processing centers and implementing registration and certification systems for informal workers.
the Transparency in transactions Traceability of recycled materials is key to improving working and environmental conditions. It is suggested that agencies such as the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency collaborate with local communities and non-governmental organizations, in order to implement minimum safety standards and certification mechanisms.
The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of public policies to understand the complexity of the context and avoid ill-informed interventions that may exacerbate the problem. Deepening weakness Of those who rely on informal recycling.
Agbogbloshie’s experience shows that implementing solutions divorced from local realities can exacerbate inequalities and perpetuate risks for the most vulnerable populations. The quest to achieve a balance between economic support and social and environmental protection continues A major challenge at the heart of the global circular economy.