Perils of E-Waste Rings Alarm

In the present era of information technology, the use of various types of electronic devices is constantly increasing. At one stage of using these devices, they are becoming e-waste, the carbon generated from which is becoming increasingly dangerous for our environment and the human body. Modern life is now completely dependent on machines. Various electrical devices are constantly creating huge amounts of e-waste. However, the infrastructure and awareness of this waste management have not yet been able to keep up with that pace.

Among the things that need to be done to solve the e-waste problem are - setting up e-waste collection points in every city and important area, modernising the system for taking back old products and recycling them. It is also important to build recycling facilities, training scrap dealers and e-waste collectors, providing protective equipment, developing a “Repair, Reuse and Recycle” culture, running awareness campaigns on e-waste, etc. These areas are capable of playing a helpful role in solving e-waste pollution.

Bangladesh generates 367 million kg of e-waste every year, which is growing at a rate of 30 per cent. The country generates 2.81 million tonnes of e-waste every year due to the sale of 1.36 billion US dollars worth of electronic products

Currently, 97 per cent of e-waste is being processed without administrative oversight. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in the world in 2023. One-third of e-waste comes from smart devices. In 2012, 45.6 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide and in 2016, 93.5 million tonnes. According to BTRC data, 116.5 million mobile phones are being used in Bangladesh, of which 30 per cent are being converted into e-waste. Also, Japan’s “The Global E-waste Monitor 2014”, which says that more than 40 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated worldwide every year.
Bangladesh generates 367 million kg of e-waste every year, which is growing at a rate of 30 per cent. The country generates 2.81 million tonnes of e-waste every year due to the sale of 1.36 billion US dollars worth of electronic products. In addition, the cadmium used in a cell phone pollutes 6,000 litres of water, and fire retardants such as lead and beryllium cause cancer, liver damage, and damage to the nervous system. Mercury used in displays and boards damages the brain and kidneys. These e-wastes create ‘acidic conditions’ and penetrate the soil layer and reach the water table.

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), 40 companies imported e-waste between 2022 and 2025. During the same period, about 14,985 tonnes of e-waste and scrap were imported. Only 4,040 tonnes of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and scrap were exported. 27 per cent or about one-fourth of e-waste imports come from the textile and apparel sector. Among the 12-point recommendations of the TIB are to stop illegal imports and exports through strict implementation of e-waste regulations and the Basel Convention, and to formulate a long-term ‘e-waste roadmap’ to deal with waste from electric vehicles.

E-waste contains iron, steel, aluminium, silver, mercury, brominated flame retardants, copper, lead, cadmium, etc., which are posing a threat to the environment. These substances are hazardous to human health and pollute the soil, water and air through their unplanned management and random burning. In addition, the largest amount of e-waste in Bangladesh is generated from the ship-breaking industry. In addition, toxic e-waste from electric cars, solar panels, battery-powered toys, drones, etc. is entering the human body through cycles of mixing with soil and water.

With the development of civilisation, the use of electrical appliances is increasing. E-waste management must be strengthened. At the same time, up-to-date laws and policies must be formulated. E-waste producers can earn financial benefits or re-supply by keeping old items. In addition to creating a collection, public awareness must be created. Technological progress in Bangladesh will be possible only when a safe, environmentally friendly e-waste management system is developed along with advanced technology.