By Ardrene Edwards
As Jamaica embraces the digital age with increasing fervor, the Caribbean island nation finds itself confronted with a rapid crisis – electronic waste (e-waste). On March 22, 2024, seventeen year old Derrick Harrison of Campion College in partnership with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) held an e-waste drive.
E-waste comprises of smartphones, computers, televisions, headphones and anything with a plug or cord or has an electronic component. The proliferation of electronic gadgets, combined with a lack of efficient recycling infrastructure, has worsened the problem. As a result, old and broken electronics often end up in landfills, leaching hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, posing risks to both human health and ecosystems.
The drive saw students and staff alike dropping off a plethora of non-operational devices. “I wanted to get these out of Campionites homes, it will not only benefit their health but also the environment”, Derrick shared. “I think it’s a great step forward, I think Jamaica tries to put emphasis on sustainability and the environment but I think more can be done.”
By adopting proactive measures and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Jamaica can mitigate the adverse effects of e-waste while paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
“My peers are aware of this and are involved, I’m really getting some good support and people are actually taking this thing [e-waste] seriously.” He shared that it took a few months to put everything together and with the support of his mom it all worked out.
The environmental repercussions of e-waste pose significant challenges that demand urgent attention. Jamaicans can dispose of their broken and non-operational devices by dropping off their e-waste at the NSWMA’s regional offices or its head office in St. Andrew.
The waste is then upcycled and the by-products lifespan is expended. The scraps that are left are disposed of properly. This process not only prevents these items from ending up in landfills but also encourages innovation and sustainability.
“I just want to remind everybody to be responsible with your waste and dispose of it properly.” Derrick has hopes of expanding the initiative to not only other high schools but also to office spaces.