Certified Recyclers Processes Only a Tiny Portion of Total E-Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The certified e-waste handlers process only a tiny portion of the total electronic waste generated in Bangladesh. On the contrary, unauthorized e-waste processing units control the major portion of the business, who mostly export e-scrap to China.

The certified e-recyclers in the country urged the government to ensure strict implementation of the Hazardous (e-waste) Waste Management Rules 2021, which in turn will lead to formalization of the e-waste collection and recycling system, which has immense potentials to generate significant revenue. The first draft of the rule was introduced in 2011. It took nearly two decades for the country to enact the rules.

In accordance with a research study conducted in 2018, Bangladesh generates around 0.40 million tonnes of e-waste per year. This is expected to record annual growth of over 20%, to touch 4.62 million tonnes by 2035.

The country’s e-waste management rules require manufacturers, importers, dealers, traders, end users and refurbishers to deposit e-waste to authorized e-waste handlers only. The certified e-waste handlers are then required to process the waste, segregate them by material, and recycle them in an environment-friendly manner. However, the lax implementation of the law has resulted in uncertified scrap traders dominating the business.

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