10/12/2021

The two largest Italian and Nigerian Extended Producer Responsibility systems make a first assessment of their participation in the Twinning Programme promoted by WEEE Forum to support the circular economy in emerging countries.

Erion and Epron “together for the environment”. This was the idea that in January 2021 led to the twinning between the two major EPR systems for the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Italy and Nigeria. Today, almost a year later, Erion WEEE and Epron take stock of the partnership created within the Twinning Programme promoted by WEEE Forum to foster the development of efficient models for the collection and treatment of e-waste.

The first meeting between Erion and Epron

The strategy of the Twinning Programme, which involves members of the WEEE Forum in different parts of the world, is to encourage the exchange of know-how and best practices between the more advanced EPR systems and newcomers to the sector. A commitment that Erion and Epron have tried to put into practice during this year with the creation of initiatives and moments of discussion which saw the participation of Giorgio Arienti, Erion General Manager, in an onboarding session dedicated to the new members of the board of directors of the Nigerian Producers Responsibility Organization (PRO). The meeting represented an occasion to address some important issues relating to the WEEE sector and provide the new management with detailed information on the roles, responsibilities and expectations of the governance structure of a functional and effective PRO. Epron’s board members also had the opportunity to learn about some best practices related to end-of-life Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). During this first year of twinning, Erion also provided Epron with technical support for the development of a software for the management of information regarding EEE producers and for the reporting of products placed on the market at national level.

Further together for the environment

“The twinning with Erion has helped improve the end-of-life management of EEE in Nigeria by providing us new tools to ensure that e-waste is disposed of in an environmentally sound manner”, 

said Ibukun Faluyi, Epron Executive Secretary. “Through consistent communication and knowledge exchange,” the Secretary went on, “Epron continues to understand more and more every day the complexities related to the development of EPR best practices and to apply what it has learned from its international partner Erion.”

Building an efficient WEEE chain in Nigeria

“This twinning was started and has grown as a real contribution to the development of the circular economy”, declared Giorgio Arienti, Erion General Manager. “Working with Epron’s colleagues is a way to make available to another country our experience in the e-waste recycling and recovery of Secondary Raw Materials industry. We hope that this exchange of experiences will serve to build an efficient WEEE chain, capable of countering the illegal e-waste management practices that closely affects both our countries”. Nigeria is still one of the African countries most affected by the illegal shipments of e-waste from Europe. Epron is constantly working with consumers and producers to promote the development of an e-waste management that guarantees compliance with regulations and the protection of the environment and public health.