Candidate Name: Tinotenda Kamba

Centre Name: First Choice Private School

Centre Number: 010419
Subject: Computer Science
Title: Title: Using Computer Technology to Solve the Problem
of E-Waste
Stage 1: Problem Identification
Problem
Electronic waste (commonly called e-waste) is growing rapidly in our communities. Many
people throw away old electronics like mobile phones, laptops, televisions, and tablets without
knowing how harmful they are to the environment and human health. These gadgets contain
toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that can pollute the soil, air, and water when
not disposed of properly.
The main causes of this issue include:
 Lack of public knowledge about safe disposal of electronics
 Rapid advancements in technology that make devices outdated quickly
 Limited access to recycling facilities or proper e-waste collection points
 No digital tools to guide users on where or how to dispose of e-waste

Statement of Intent
The purpose of this project is to develop a computer-based solution that addresses the
growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) in our community. As technology rapidly
advances, old and unused electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, televisions,
and batteries are often discarded improperly. This leads to serious environmental
pollution and health risks due to the toxic substances contained in electronic materials.
This help to raise awareness about the dangers of electronic waste, and encouraging
responsible disposal and recycling practices.
Design Specifications
* The goal of the project is to design a computer-based solution (such as a mobile
application) that helps users identify, manage, and safely dispose of e-waste. The project
aims to:
 Educate the public on the dangers of e-waste
 Promote environmentally friendly disposal methods
 Make it easier for users to locate nearby recycling or drop-off centers
 Reduce pollution and protect human health

Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas

*To design an effective and innovative solution for e-waste management, a thorough
investigation of related ideas, technologies, and existing solutions was conducted. The
research involved studying similar applications, interviewing experts, and analyzing
available data on e-waste.
1. Existing Mobile Applications

*Several mobile apps and digital platforms have been developed globally to manage e-
waste. These include:
 Recycle Nation (USA) – Helps users locate recycling centers and learn how to dispose of
various waste types, including electronics.
 E-Waste Recycle App (India) – Focuses on educating users and helping them schedule
pickups for e-waste.
 Bin-e (Smart Bin Technology – Europe) – Uses AI to sort and manage different types of
recyclable waste, including electronics.
Observation: While useful, most of these apps are not available in African countries, and
very few support local languages or function offline.
Advantages:

 Convenient access to recycling and pickup options

  Encourage environmentally friendly behaviors
 Include smart features like reminders
 Offer location-based services
Drawbacks:
 Not available in most African regions
 Limited language support and offline access
 Often exclude rural communities
2. Government and Council Programs

Local authorities and municipalities in some urban areas have started introducing e-waste
collection days or designated drop-off points. However, these programs are:
 Poorly advertised
 Not fully digitalized
 Often unknown to the majority of residents
Conclusion: There is a gap between these services and public access to them, which
could be bridged through a well-designed mobile platform.
Advantages:
 Use existing infrastructure and funding
 Potential to scale city-wide
 May offer free or subsidized services
 Enable collaborations with NGOs and schools
Drawbacks:
 Poor public awareness and promotion
 Not fully digitalized or accessible via mobile
 Limited consistency and coverage

3. User Behavior and Awareness

 Surveys and interviews revealed that most people are unaware of the harmful effects of e-
waste.
 Many dispose of electronic devices in regular trash bins, burn them, or keep them stored
indefinitely at home.
 Few know where to take their e-waste or that it can be recycled safely.
Implication: Education and awareness need to be core components of the solution.
Advantages:
 Raise awareness on e-waste hazards
 Promote safe disposal habits
 Encourage public participation
 Create data for long-term behavioral studies
Drawbacks:
 Hard to change long-held habits
 Campaigns need consistent funding
 Difficult to reach all demographics
 Results can be slow and hard to track
 Stage 3: Generation of New Ideas
*To improve e-waste management through a tech-based solution, the following ideas
were generated based on community needs, technological opportunities, and existing
limitations.
1. Use of Relevant Technologies

 GPS Integration: Useful for showing users where to find nearby recycling centers.
 QR/Barcode Scanners: Helps users identify the type of electronic device and provides
disposal instructions.
 Cloud Databases: Can store information about devices, recycling centers, and user
feedback.
 Multilingual Support: To make the platform usable by a wider local audience.
Advantages:
 GPS and cloud storage enhance usability
 QR scanning simplifies device identification
 Multilingual support increases accessibility
 Real-time updates and feedback possible
Drawbacks:
  High development and maintenance costs
 Not all users have compatible devices
 Requires regular updates
 Raises data privacy/security concerns
2. Community Initiatives

*Some schools and NGOs have started small recycling campaigns, collecting old gadgets.
However, these efforts are usually:
 Short-term
 Not connected to digital tools
 Not coordinated at a national or city-wide level
Opportunity: A mobile app could support and expand these initiatives by providing
digital organization and communication.
Advantages:
 Activate grassroots recycling efforts
 Build local environmental responsibility
 Adaptable to community needs
 Can influence broader policy if successful
Drawbacks:
 Often short-lived
 Usually lack digital support
 Limited scale and impact
3. E-Waste School Challenge Platform

*A digital platform that encourages schools to collect and recycle electronics through gamified
competitions.

Features:

 School registration and leaderboard

 Rewards and certificates for top recyclers
 Educational content tailored for students
 Integration with council pickup schedules