Rising E-Waste Pollution Causes Serious Threats

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The surging e-waste volumes in Bangladesh ire reportedly causing serious health threats to communities.

The country has witnessed tremendous growth in consumption of electronic devices over the past two decades. The increased urbanisation of the country coupled with higher purchasing power of consumers have led to significant boost in consumption of latest electronic products.

However, the country lacks necessary infrastructure to accept the disposed of electronic devices. There exists no regulation to ensure that the used electronics are treated in a healthy and safe manner. The improper disposal of these items, which are said to contain several toxic substances, have turned out to become one of the largest public threats in the country, causing pollution to soil, water and air.

As per rough estimates, Bangladesh generates nearly 3 million metric tons of electronic waste every year. The ship-breaking yards have traditionally been a major e-waste generator. Only around one-third of the total e-waste is responsibly recycled in the country, with the rest dumped in landfills and open areas.

The country needs to significantly build on its recycling infrastructure and related facilities to tackle the mounting e-waste crisis.

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