EAG2-Rec

The project dealed with the development of a sustainable recycling concept for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Ghana based on the already developed Handover Centre (HOC) in Agbogbloshie on the basis of the best-of-two-worlds concept.

A feasibility study on the optimal treatment technology as well as suitable distribution options for the generated productfractions were prepared. An economically viable, sustainable and locally adapted concept for the recycling of WEEE creates the prerequisite for the long-term operation of the HOC. Close cooperation with local partners is crucial to this. Furthermore, an essential component is communicating the results to initiate direct investments and joint ventures. In addition, the methodological approach was developed in such a way that it can also be transferred to other emerging countries such as Nigeria or India.

The innovation of the project lies in the addition of thermochemical conversion technology to the conventional process chain of manual and mechanical processing. This makes it possible to reduce the complexity of mechanical processing and still generate higher metal yields. The process additionally produces oil and gas to cover the energy demand of the process chain. In contrast to open combustion, it also avoids the release of harmful pollutants that can enter the food cycle or surface and groundwater.

At the beginning of the project, the status quo of WEEE recycling in Ghana was analysed and the boundary conditions for the implementation of such a concept were examined. Subsequently, different technical variants were developed and subjected to a multi-criteria analysis (economic, ecological, social and technological).

Implementation aids for German SMEs and local partners were developed. Finally, the project results were presented in a matchmaking event to initiate implementation with relevant stakeholders. Through the public relations work accompanying the project, specific communication formats were developed to disseminate the results in a way that is appropriate for the target groups. Local stakeholders were involved throughout the entire project in order to take local conditions into account in the concept.