Collect, maintain and repurpose e-waste material

Electronic waste is a growing global problem, containing valuable materials and elements that can be recovered and reused, but also containing hazardous substances. According to the UN E-waste Coalition, the growing amount of generated e-waste is expected to reach 120 million tons by 2050, fueled by higher consumption rates of Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), short life cycles, obsolescence in design, and few repair options. Consequently, many countries are challenged by the considerable environmental and human health risks of inadequately managed e-waste, raising the importance of developing recycling infrastructure, policies, and legal instruments.

According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, the leading partnership in this regard, e-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world, with a global generation of 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) in 2019. E-waste contains both harmful substances and rare and valuable materials, which can lead to environmental, sanitary, and economic problems if not managed in an environmentally sound manner

In this regard, Virus for Electronic Waste Recycling—a business established by Hamza Al Faoori, a responsible and professional recycler/dismantler and a Syrian refugee in Madaba, Jordan—contributes. Along with his wife and a team of three part-time employees, their business embodies a commitment to circular economy principles in what they do: collect, maintain, and repurpose e-waste material and components. Old computers, laptops, and other household electronics and tools, often destined for landfills, find a second life in Hamza’s workshop. Virus operates locally within the fourth scenario presented in the Global E-waste Monitor report; they manually dismantle the equipment down into usable marketable components and materials, but without running the risk of burning or melting e-waste.

What further sets Virus’ operation apart is the verification test conducted on each reused component. This process acts as a warrant for guaranteed performance, and provides a meticulous health assessment and lifespan evaluation for the repurposed parts for the end user. “We have an opportunity to improve e-waste recycling. When businesses, the public, and government join forces to address our environmental challenges, we all benefit,” Hamza explained. 

Every sector has its own challenges

Issues regarding privacy and data security often concern Hamzah’s client base and individuals within his local target group. However, he demonstrates trust-building by being committed to ensuring privacy and upholding acceptance of his verified operations. Moreover, as Virus extends its outreach from Madaba to Amman, it transcends beyond the realms of business and e-waste management by promoting adequate perception and awareness towards the hidden and no-longer-used electronic waste in domestic environments. It spreads the understanding of integrating circular economy principles and fosters willingness and responsibility to contribute to businesses like Virus within the wider community.

Hamza encountered significant obstacles common among Syrian refugees in Jordan striving to establish their businesses. These challenges encompassed various aspects such as understanding legal requirements for registration, dealing with labor cases and contracts, crafting business plans, managing finances, and grasping digital marketing techniques. Despite these hurdles, Hamza received invaluable support through MSME coaching and mentoring facilitated by IGIT and SPARK under the STEP programme, generously funded by the Islamic Development Bank, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Foundation, and SPARK. Through this assistance, Hamza successfully overcame the challenges, emerging resilient and adept in his endeavors.

While the challenges inherent in this field may differ, they commonly include environmental threats, human health risks associated with e-waste disposal, and insufficient awareness and infrastructure for proper e-waste management. According to the UN coalition, one of the primary obstacles that Hamza’s business addresses is the inadequate levels of collection, reuse, and repurposing of e-waste. Hamza aspires to foster a shift in community attitudes towards e-waste, envisioning a transformative path towards economic prosperity and sustainable consumption.