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E-waste hazard on the rise


Published : 15 Jan 2021 09:57 PM

The increasing electronic waste or e-waste hazards are posing serious threats to human health and the environment as the electronic devices comprise toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium, PVC plastic and hazardous chemicals, such as brominated flame retardants. 

With the multifarious development of communications and information technology, the number of users of electronic and electrical equipment has increased dramatically.

During the last 10 years, the use of technology and electronic products and gadgets has increased at least 30 times.

The short life span of electronic products such as mobile phone, television, refrigerator, AC, computer, electric bulb, etc. coupled with increased purchasing power of this generation. It is resulting in rapid discarding of these products. Thus, electronic waste or e-waste is on the rise.

According to a study by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), a non-government organisation, the country generates about 4 lakh tonnes of e-waste every year. In 2023, the amount of this e-waste will be about 12 lakh tonnes, it added.

Dr Lelin Choudhury, Joint General Secretary of Save the Environment Movement, told the Bangladesh Post, “E-waste contains hazardous chemicals that cause magnetic radiation in the soil and create further radiation in trees and human. It causes long-term human health damage and other serious diseases including cancer.”

Dr Hafiza Khatun, professor of the Department of Geography and Environment of Dhaka University, told the Bangladesh Post, “Electronic waste is a non-degradable element that contains various types of heavy metals and hazardous chemicals. Improper disposal of those waste ends up in soil and water and ultimately in our bodies through food.”

She also said, “The government should enact proper legislation for the management of e-waste. Besides, people should be aware of e-waste management.”

If it is not managed now, it will create a big risk in the future. One or two small organisations might have arranged for some e-waste recycling. However, if this initiative is not taken on a large scale, the crisis will be increased. 

Shyam Sundar Sikder, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said the BTRC would extend all possible cooperation to mobile handset manufacturers if they want to take back their old handsets.

He said, “If proper e-waste management is not planned quickly, it will pose a serious threat to biodiversity and the environment in the future.” 

Last year, the Japan based university- United Nations University- published a research report on e-waste of Asia. 

According to the report, the amount of e-waste in Asia has increased by about 63 percent in the five years [from 2010 to 2015]. The research on 12 countries has shown that the amount of e-waste has increased to 1 crore and 23 lakh tonnes from 66 lakh tonnes in five years.

Nazmul Haider, Managing Director of NH enterprise, one of the e-waste management organisations, said, “About 1,000 tonnes of e-waste are being generated annually from the telecom operators. We are buying old handsets from a number of vendors. But, this requires big arrangements and patronisation of the government.”

“People involved in e-waste management need to have proper training and use uniforms. They must go through regular medical checkup as well,” he added.

Post and telecommunication minister Mustafa Jabbar said, “E-waste management can create new opportunity. It requires a business plan to ensure proper management. Then it will no longer be risky.”

He also said, “E-waste will not be reduced day by day, our use of electronics and digital products will increase. We have to move away from the old technology to the new ones.”