E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste in the world. With the innovation of modern technology, the use of Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is increasing rapidly. Advancement of technologies and innovation of new hi-tech leads to e-waste generation.
Electronic devices have made our lives easier, however, there are hazardous sides to it too. Electronic waste is often disassembled by poorly paid locals in hazardous methods using dangerous chemicals to separate its components. The chemicals end up in many different locations, exposing the areas to toxic chemicals present in the e-waste, which causes severe health impacts to humans.
More than 50 million metric tons of e-waste is generated globally every year. Till now only 17 percent of total generated waste has been recycled (Global E-waste Monitor,2020), As per the report, the global volume increased by 21% in the past five years. Nepal produces 28 metric kiloton of waste in a year. An average Nepali generates approx. 900 gm of e-waste.
Any devices which come to an end of life become electronic waste. Simply, electronic waste or end of life refers to the devices that are discarded after a certain period of lifespan.
As per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electronic equipments are divided into different categories such as large home appliances, small home appliances, IT equipment and telecommunications, Consumer equipment, Lighting equipment, Toys and sports equipment, medical devices, monitoring and control instruments and automatic dispenser.
Regardless of such massive generation of e-waste and its hazardous aspects to human health and environment, concern authorities haven’t taken any action.
Still, we lack proper laws and legislation to address such issues. There are few private sectors who are working in e-waste management, among them Doko recyclers is one.
In present scenario, E-waste collection and handling is carried out by informal sectors in Nepal. Since 1996, Nepal became a signatory member of Basel Convention, which bars the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and its disposal, still there is illegal practice of sending hazardous waste to India.
Improper e-waste management practice causes serious impacts to the environment and human health. E-waste disposal and burning in the open space can damage the soil, water, and air because it includes harmful compounds.
Impact of electronic waste
E-waste has a composition of different chemicals such as lead, mercury, lithium, beryllium and so on. Plastic items, such as polyvinyl chloride cables and plastic casings, are also poisonous and can cause harm in addition to metal parts. Exposure to such high levels of contaminants leads to sever health issues such as miscarriages, neurological disorders, cancers and so on.
Common routes for exposure to the toxins involve human handling of electronic waste during various management operations such incineration, disposal in unhygienic landfills, or melting down procedures.
For instance, the dumping of e-waste in unclean landfills can result in the release of toxic leachate into groundwater and the exposure of land and aquatic species to associated health concerns. Both domesticated animals and wild animals can swallow e-waste by drinking contaminated water directly or indirectly through plants.
Challenges
In general scenario of Nepal, e-waste is treated like solid waste (Giri et.al,2020). How to manage e- waste in the proper way is a major challenge. Normally people sell their unused or discarded waste to the informal sector which later on ended up on landfill sites. As we lack provision regarding e-waste management and its handling.
Suggestion
E-waste doesn’t include hazardous components only, rather it also has valuable resources such as metal, gold, platinum, copper. Different research signifies circular economy. Informal sector is doing this for long period of time. They send their valuable resources out of the country.
More importantly, we need to think about a sustainable way to manage electronic waste. Applying 3R (Reduce, Reuse and recycle) policy, Government should develop policies and legislation regarding e-waste management. To provide financial aid to businesses who are working on e-waste management.
