When electronics end up in landfills, toxics persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like lead, mercury, and cadmium leach into the soil and water and can result in serious environmental and health consequences. With a solution to this problem in mind, Restore A Sense of I Can (RSC) embarked on an e-waste project with support from the GEF SGP UNDP.

RSC is a non-profit organization with the goal of “Effecting change through technology and education.” In April 2017, RSC launched the R.I.D.E. (Reduction of Indiscriminate Dumping of E-waste) project which seeks to educate the public at large using school based RSC IT clubs, on the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of hazardous material and e-waste. The project also provides an avenue for recycling of E-waste, refurbishment of IT equipment, and distribution of re-modelled systems to NGOs, communities in need and other vulnerable groups. RSC has also solicited the assistance of other major stakeholders/beneficiaries like TTMA (Trinidad and Tobago manufacturing association), TTCSI (Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries), the Energy Chamber and the Environment Management Authority (EMA).

Over the period of one year the project will establish at least 20 new IT clubs in line with the RSC model, develop a POPs E-waste educational program and disseminate this information through partnerships with all major stakeholders. By creating an increase in the awareness of the issues of indiscriminate dumping of e-waste, there will be a reduction in further soil and water contamination, and eventually can result in public participation and advocacy for proper disposal facilities and legislation to assist with the problem and violators.

Click here to learn more- link to short project video