Desco Electronic Recyclers has been selected by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as the preferred e-waste practical training site during the recent regional workshop on the implementation of the Basel Convention in Africa.
This recognition highlights Desco’s role as a tier 1 e-waste recycling facility and its commitment to advancing sustainable electronic waste management practices on the continent.
The workshop – organised in collaboration with the Africa Institute, the Basel Convention and BRS Conventions, and supported by UNEP – brought together approximately 70 participants from 20 African nations, including Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and others.
Delegates benefited from comprehensive sessions covering national legislation updates, enforcement strategies, and progressive approaches to e-waste management.
Giulio Airaga, Desco’s managing director, says the facility tour was an essential part of the event, providing participants with a detailed, end-to-end understanding of the e-waste recycling process.
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“We demonstrated how material is sourced from public, private, and individual contributors before being transported and processed. Many delegates had questions about how we collect materials and ensure responsible recycling from start to finish. The tour allowed us to unpack these steps in detail.”
“The dismantling process begins with careful hand dismantling, which is crucial for safety and the effective separation of different materials. This contrasts with the more primitive methods still used in some regions. After dismantling, materials undergo a series of mechanical processes, including cable granulation to recover copper, plastic granulation, and the separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Each step ensures that we extract maximum value from e-waste while adhering to global environmental and safety standards,” he explained.
Beyond the tour, Airaga highlighted that the most valuable aspect of the workshop was the interactive Q&A sessions.
“Delegates were particularly interested in understanding how they could implement similar practices in their own countries. Many were curious about how materials transition from discarded electronics to refined commodities ready to be reintegrated into manufacturing. Our role in consulting and guiding these processes was a key takeaway.”
The workshop provided an invaluable platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing among regulators, industry experts, and environmental advocates.
By showcasing these structured recycling processes, the event empowered regional expertise and inspired significant improvements in e-waste management.
It reinforced commitments to the Basel Convention’s principles and highlighted the importance of transitioning Africa towards a more sustainable circular economy.
