Repair or Ruin? E-Waste, Informal Economies, and the Role of Manufacturers

Send me a messageIn this episode, I sit down once again with Kenny McGee, CEO of Component Sense, to delve into one of the most confronting aspects of global supply chains — electronic waste, or e-waste.Kenny recently returned from Agbogbloshie, Ghana, a site once dubbed the world’s largest e-waste dump. What he found there was far more complex than expected: a vast, informal economy built around salvaging, repairing, and repurposing our discarded electronics. From TVs and fridges to circuit boards and copper wiring, items we think are being “recycled” are often ending up in the hands of workers — many of them teenagers — who burn, strip, and break devices using bare hands and basic tools.We talk through the journey of a used TV from a UK household to the streets of Accra, explore the supply chains that enable illegal exports of e-waste, and reflect on the human and environmental costs tied to our throwaway tech culture. Kenny also shares the hopeful side — stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and local charity-led education and healthcare initiatives.Key takeaways:Why the second-hand trade isn’t inherently bad — but needs regulation.How plastic and clothing waste are compounding the e-waste problem.The role manufacturers must play in designing for repair and reuse.Why abrupt changes to e-waste flows could hurt the very people we aim to help.If you're in supply chain, electronics manufacturing, or sustainability, this one’s well worth your time.For more, visit ComponentSense.com or follow Kenny on LinkedIn.🎧 Listen now and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. If disruption hit tomorrow, would you know where your supply chain was most exposed? In 15 minutes my free scorecard helps you assess 27 resilience statements, calculate your score, and turn the result into three priorities and a 30 day action plan. You can download the scorecard free at tomraftery.com/scorecard.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability?I help leaders understand the forces reshaping global supply chains, from geopolitical disruption and climate risk to AI and real-time decision-making. Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpckFinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.