UAE proposes series of regulations to deal with e-waste problem

ABU DHABI (Scrap Monster): The UAE has made considerable progress in developing regulatory frameworks and recycling facilities to curb the ever-growing e-waste menace. According to Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the future of e-waste collection and recycling industry remains bright in the country.

According to statistics released by the “solving the e-waste problem” (StEP) initiative, the total e-waste generated by all the countries during 2012 amounted to 49 million metric tonnes. This equates to 43 kilograms of e-waste per person. Research indicates that the worldwide e-waste is feared to surge by 33% to 65 million metric tonnes by 2017. When compared with the global recycling rate of 15%-20%, only 5% of the generated electronics waste reaches recycling centers.

UAE generates 29.28 kilogram of e-waste per person every year. The country lacks fixed rules and regulations with respect to disposal of electronic waste. However, various municipalities run periodic e-waste collection and recycling events. Extension of such programs will pave way for future developments in this field. The government has also decided to partner with existing e-waste recycling facilities to arrange conferences and other awareness campaigns to educate public about the hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic goods.

Improper disposal of electronics, especially mobile phones, laptops and computers can not only lead to health concerns, but also result in theft of personal data, which could then be misused for other purposes. Proper collection and recycling mechanisms could prevent such threats, noted EEG.