Henk Janssen says: How clever to combine offsetting through a certificate with the problem of e-waste. Are you the first and only doing this?

Paul de Jong says: Henk, Thanks for the compliment. And yes, actually I believe we are the first and only doing so. Gladfully we get lots of positive reactions.

Karen Heijl says: Isn’t it possible for your foundation to tap into the money stream coming from European WEEE recycling programs? ICT donated to Africa is not recycled in EU but anyhow through recycling WEEE programs there has been paid for a proper recycling.

Henk Janssen says: I don't think this Foundation is focussing on the EU by itself, but has a worldwide focus.

The WEEE program could be a part of the Foundations plans but I'm not sure programs like the WEEE exist in the US and Asia for example.

Paul de Jong says: Henk, our focus is indeed larger than Europe. As the problem is global.

As far as my information goes there are no federal laws in the US concerning regulations like WEEE and RoHS. But of course people and companies are free to take their own responsibility.

Paul de Jong says: Karen, thanks for your suggestion.

We are allready looking into this. The last part seems to be so for many people, but is not correct: equipment which is not recycled in EU also has not been paid for in the EU.

Only the national recycling programms have lots of money in their reserve, and we are investigating their interest in using a part of their funds for a structural solution of African and Asian e-waste.

Jules Janssen says: Wow, This seems really a great idea. Did you already get reaction out the field of recycling industry? I read a lot on the web about e-waste problems in Africa. Wish you luck with your venture.

Kathryn Davies says: Hi Paul.

I have a couple of questions. If I buy a credit from you, where does that money go to?

Would you actually be transporting e-waste from Africa back to Europe for recycling?

I'm a bit confused about where the WEEE directive money comes into the business model!

Thanks
Kathryn

Paul de Jong says: Hi Kathryn, Yes we indeed will be transporting hazardous e-wast leftovers back from Africa to Europe for recycling in smelters. It's here that the money goes.
Next to this we also give our support to new local (African) initiatives who will process e-waste in a correct manner, as these are to scarse at the moment.

Concerning WEEE money: At this moment producers via WEEE collection system pay for their corresponding e-waste which ends it life within the EU. So all items which are shipped to Africa for a second life, are never payed for by producers through the WEEE guidelines.