Electronic waste in Bangladesh
Ashraf Al- Khalique, General Member
Electronic waste or E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products at the end of their "useful life". These can also be described as any waste that has a circuit board or cathode ray tube. These wastages are produced from individuals & small businesses, large businesses & governments, equipment manufacturers, etc.
Most of the E-Wastes come from Electronic products & they contain many toxic substances. In Bangladesh e- wastes are mainly produced from Televisions and computer monitors, Computers and computer peripherals (e.g. monitors and keyboards), Audio and stereo equipment's, CFL bulbs, Video cameras, Telephones, cellular phones, and other wireless devices, Fax and copy machines, Video game consoles, medical and dental equipment, etc. These e-wastes release heavy metals and toxic substances such as Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, etc. Most of this e-waste is produced from specific e-waste concentration areas. In Dhaka, the concentration or highest disposal /storage of E-waster are in Islampur, Kamrangirchar, Ginger, Mirpur (11, 12) and Mohammadpur, etc. Now, these e-waste has environmental, economic, and health hazards on the people and the country.
E- wastes affect the environment by emitting hazardous components like Mercury, Lead, Cadmium and some part of an electronic device consisting of the same components. For example, a cathode ray tube releases Pb, Ba which releases Phosphor into the groundwater. Printed circuit board discharges Sn, Hg, Pb into the ground & water. Burned wire releases Hydro Carbon ashes into the environment.
Major health hazards created due to e-waste are kidney, liver, and neurological disease caused by inhaling or being in touch with Cd, Hg. Moreover, several physical problems like hearing problems, behavior problem, and mental damages are caused by Pb.
Furthermore, the government is facing huge costs to handle e-Waste and they cause a serious disposal &management problem. AS a result, it is hampering economic development.
Fortunately, many initiatives are being taken and laws are being enforced by our government. These processes are mainly known as the e-waste management system. Following actions can be taken as part of way forward:
- Inventory of E-waste in large cities of Bangladesh
- Develop E-waste policy and guideline with consultation with the relevant stakeholders
- Establish efficient collection system at least for selected electronic waste
- Registration and capacity development of E-waste recyclers
- Introduction of Environmental Management System in E-waste sector
- Establish E-waste tracking mechanism in order to update the inventory
- Awareness raising and development of communication material (poster, leaflets, brochure, TV spot)
- Monitor e-waste trafficking and shipment
