By Faridat Salifu

As Eritrea grapples with the alarming challenge of plastic waste, the spotlight turns to the urgent need for innovative solutions in electronic waste management.

Recent findings from Plastic Overshoot Day, reveal that Eritrea has the highest poorly managed waste index (IMS) globally, standing at a staggering 97.3%.

The root cause of this dire situation, the report noted, stem from a multitude of factors, including inadequate regulations, infrastructure deficiencies, and insufficient public awareness.

The detrimental effects of this crisis, according to reports, extend far beyond Eritrea’s borders, with neighboring African nations also confronting significant e-waste management challenges.

Countries such as the Central African Republic, Guinea Bissau, and Ivory Coast join Eritrea in the struggle to effectively manage plastic waste, with percentages of poorly managed waste ranging from 78% to 97%.

In response, Plastic Overshoot Day advocates for a comprehensive approach to e-waste management, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic consumption, promoting circular economy models, and implementing solid waste management policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

By collectively embracing innovative strategies and fostering global cooperation, counties can pave the way for a more sustainable future and ensure the responsible management of e-waste for generations to come.

Soon the fourth session of negotiations for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution will take place at Ottawa, Canada.

This pivotal gathering aims to formulate binding measures that will address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production and consumption to end-of-life management.

Stakeholders at this gathering are expected prioritize sustainable solutions that mitigate environmental degradation and safeguard public health.