International Summit Highlighted Key Role Played by Informal E-Waste Recycling Sector

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The panelists at the recently held International WEEE & Battery Recycling Virtual Conference noted that governments across the world have begun to address the role of informal players in e-waste collection and recycling. The informal system uses primitive techniques to separate metals from e-scrap, which often poses threat to environment. Efforts must be made to make them part of formal mechanisms.

According to A.L.N Rao of India-based Exigo Recycling, informal sector accounts for nearly 90% of the collected e-waste scrap in the country. He highlighted the efforts by OEMs and government agencies to uplift the EHS standards of some of these informal collectors to match with those of formal sector players. The transformation process is extremely tough, he added.

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Keith Anderson of the E-Waste Association of South Africa admitted that informal collectors do provide a valuable service. However, it comes at the cost of damage caused to themselves and the environment.

The Conference also highlighted the risks posed by informal handling of hazardous waste materials present in various electronic devices. Another major challenge is the chance of fire, caused by the presence of lithium-ion batteries.

The online event took place on December 9, 2020.