Population 19,004,651
Total e-waste generated in 2019 (kt) 9.7
Mobile phone waste generated in 2019 (kt) 0.17
Legally binding e-waste policy No
Global policy
| Title of regulation | Description | Status | Legally binding | Legislation naming convention |
| The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal | The overarching objective of the Basel Convention is to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. | Ratified | No | MAL02 & MAL02b |
| Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) | The Stockholm Convention focus on the proper management of some components of e-waste: the imports of plastic products, electrical and electronic goods, computers, mobile phones, foams and flame retardants that form the bulk of the newly listed POPs occur. The main challenge that comes with chemical use is the proper management of chemicals across the lifecycle. Poor management of chemicals comes with a price due to poor health and degraded ecosystems. | In force | No | MAL07 |
National policy
| Title of regulation | Description | Status | Legally binding | Legislation naming convention |
| Environment Management Act | The act aims to make provisions for the protection and management of the environment, and conservation of valuable resources. Hazardous materials and waste are within the scope and therefore this act applies also to electronics. Provides the legislative support for the National Environmental Policy and the National Environmental Action Plan. it also provides the baseline for the participation in the Basel Convention. | In force | Yes | MAL01 |
| National Environmental Policy | The goal is the promotion of sustainable social and economic development through sound management of the environment and natural resources. | In force | No | MAL03 |
| National Environment Action Plan | Recommends a set of actions that should be taken in order to address environmental degradation and improve the management of natural resources. | In force | No | MAL04 |
| Environment Management (Waste Management and Sanitation) Regulations, 2008 | Regulation determines the management of waste, including hazardous waste. | In force | Yes | MAL05 |
| National Waste Management Strategy | A Waste Management Strategy is being developed for the period 2017 – 2022. However, no documents were found. The plan was announced internationally at the UN Environment Assembly. | Status unknown | No | Not available |
| National Sanitation Policy, 2006 | Seeks to ensure access to improved sanitation for the whole population and promote hygienic behaviour and safe waste disposal methods through educational, institutional and legal mechanisms. The policy addresses: the promotion of solid and liquid waste separation to mitigate blockages and flooding in water supply and sewage through organic waste composting techniques and the recycling of solid waste; the establishment of independent waste management systems at large waste production sites; the mandated separation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste typologies; energy recovery practices from biogas generation; prohibition of specific plastic films and bags to prevent pollution and waterway blockages. | In force | No | MAL09 |
| National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 2019 – 2023 | The NIP follows the signing of the Stockholm Convention, which requires the periodic update of the NIP. The NIP provides information on Malawi’s POP management and it is relevant to EEE containing POPs. | In force | No | MAL08 |