EcoWaste Coalition Reiterates Plea to Prohibit E-Waste Imports

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  A watchdog group in the Philippines has reiterated its call to prohibit imports of electronic waste into the country. Incidentally, the country has been a traditional importer of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including scraps.

It must be noted that importation of wastes, including plastic and electronic waste, is still permitted in the country, in accordance with the administrative order 2013-22 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The importation of recyclable materials is permitted, subject to certain limiting conditions as prescribed by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

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The EcoWaste Coalition had earlier called for banning imports of electrical waste, citing that the country being a large producer of e-waste, would be unable to manage incoming e-waste volumes. Last week, the group reiterated it call.

According to sources, EMB is currently reviewing the above said administrative order. A draft of the amended guidelines has already been prepared. However, the Bureau is yet to officially release the updated guidelines.

Roxanne Figueroa, E-Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition noted that importation of electronic junks from overseas might lead to flooding of ports, if no preventive action is taken. This could potentially add to the country’s toxic waste woes.