A new research project at the UNEP DTU Partnership will help create better opportunities for collecting and recycling electronic waste from small solar PV systems in Kenya and other African countries.

Sales of small off-grid solar PV systems have exploded in the last 10-15 years, especially in Africa. In rural areas without access to electricity, these systems are typically used to power everything from mobile chargers and lanterns to radios, televisions and refrigerators.

However, their lifespans are often short, raising concerns about a looming waste crisis. Furthermore, they often contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals, with potentially adverse impacts on human health and the environment. In Kenya alone, it is estimated that the total amount of electronic waste from solar PV was 4,000 tonnes in 2020-

Read more: Mirage