Technical support for KfW in managing the FC project 'Environmentally compatible disposal of electrical scrap in Ghana'

As part of its cooperation with Ghana, the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW) supported a project for the environmentally sound disposal of electrical and electronic waste, with a view of directing harmful electrical and electronic waste fractions from the informal sector to a sound disposal or recycling, and of contributing to the development of a national recycling system for electrical and electronic waste. In this context, an innovative approach needed to be taken to establish a financial incentive system to ensure the sound disposal of particularly harmful fractions. In addition, a so-called 'Hand-Over-Centre' was to be set up and operated in which the purchase and storage of the electrical waste fractions was to take place. When purchasing, a top-up to the market value of the fractions is paid for the delivery of the 'untreated' electronic waste fractions in order to prevent unsound disposal. Likewise, when the fractions are auctioned off to companies that dispose of the waste in compliance with environmental and social standards, a top-up is paid that compensates the companies for the additional costs of sound disposal. These companies should be inspected for compliance with environmental and social standards at least once a year. In a second step, a national system was to be developed on the basis of the project's experience, with the aim of ensuring the sound and sustainable disposal of as many waste electrical and electronic equipment fractions as possible. This system may be financed by fees on the import of electrical equipment. Oeko-Institut provided technical support and supported KfW's project manager in managing and monitoring the project. This included advice on the implementation of the proposed activities and, if necessary, the development of ideas in case the concept needed to be revised on the basis of experience made in the initial phase or if adjustments were necessary.