Rwandans Urged to Stop Storing E-Waste at Home as Health Risks Mount

Rwandans are being urged to stop keeping old or unused electronic devices in their homes, as experts warn that improper handling of e-waste poses growing risks to human health and the environment.

The call was made during a visit organized by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) to Enviroserve Rwanda, an e-waste recycling facility in Bugesera District.

Officials say many households continue to store old phones, televisions, batteries, and other electronic equipment, unaware that these items can release toxic substances over time.

“Electronic waste such as phones, televisions, irons, and other electrical devices can pollute the environment and cause diseases including cancer if not disposed of properly,” said Beatha Akimpaye, Division Manager of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement at REMA.

She emphasized that improper management of such waste not only threatens ecosystems but also human health, particularly when hazardous materials leak or are burned.

“Many people underestimate the danger of e-waste, yet if poorly handled, it becomes toxic and harmful to communities. Some of these devices contain chemicals like mercury and lithium, which can damage the brain, cause cancer, and affect reproductive health,” she said.

According to Akimpaye, research shows that mercury exposure can have severe health consequences, especially for people who frequently handle such waste without protective equipment.

The call comes as Rwanda steps up efforts to enforce proper waste management under Law No. 48/2018, which aims to protect the environment and regulate hazardous materials.

At the center of the country’s e-waste management system is Enviroserve Rwanda, a company that has been operating in Bugesera since 2018, collecting and recycling discarded electronic equipment across the country.

“If you are no longer using an electronic device, there is no reason to keep it at home. These items contain hazardous substances and can become dangerous over time,” said Olivier Mbera, Country General Manager of Enviroserve Rwanda.

Since its establishment, the company says it has collected and recycled more than 8,500 tonnes of e-waste, preventing over 7,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

The recycling process involves dismantling, sorting, and recovering valuable materials such as copper, aluminium, and circuit boards, which are reintroduced into manufacturing cycles. Hazardous components, including mercury, are safely extracted and stored to prevent environmental contamination.

Enviroserve also refurbishes thousands of devices each year. Out of approximately 10,000 computers processed annually, about half are restored and redistributed, particularly to schools in partnership with the Rwanda Education Board (REB).

“More than 5,000 refurbished computers have already been supplied to schools, helping bridge the digital divide,” Mbera noted.

In addition, the company reports that about 70 percent of batteries collected are recycled, while severely damaged ones are repurposed or disposed of through specialized channels.

To improve access, Enviroserve has established 27 collection points across Rwanda, allowing residents to safely dispose of their electronic waste.

Despite these efforts, officials say public awareness remains low, with many people still holding onto outdated devices until they deteriorate.

Experts warn that as electronic devices age, components such as batteries can swell or leak, releasing harmful substances into homes and the surrounding environment.

Authorities are now calling on citizens to make use of designated collection centers and avoid informal disposal methods such as burning or dumping, which can worsen pollution and health risks.