We are concerned about the effects of the pollution caused by electronic waste or e-waste containing various types of toxic compounds including lead, cadmium, and mercury which are very harmful to human beings, animals and the environment. E-waste refers to the discarded electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, refrigerators and ovens.
The Bangladesh Post on Tuesday ran a story headlined ‘E-waste poses serious threat to public health’ detailing the impact of e-waste on the internal organs of human body. The government has enacted the Hazardous Waste (e-waste) Management Rules, 2021 that bind the manufacturers, importers, dealers, traders, end users, and refurbishers to deposit e-waste to the authorised handlers at their own expense.
However, the Hazardous (e-waste) Waste Management Rules is not being implemented in the country. As a result, indiscriminate dumping of e-waste is common phenomenon, particularly in the cities and towns.
Tonnes of e-waste is being produced in the capital Dhaka, metropolitan cities, district towns, and tourist spots like Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans and hilly areas. E-waste is either being thrown or dumped indiscriminately everywhere in the cities and municipal areas.
Experts say e-waste generation, which continue to rise in our country, could take a serious turn in the coming days, posing a threat to public health and environment. Therefore, indiscriminate dumping or throwing of all types of e-waste, used plastic bottles or containers and polythene must be stopped immediately.
E-waste is either being thrown or
dumped indiscriminately
everywhere in the cities and
municipal areas
If we do not recycle the e-waste, the government should take initiative to destroy it like other countries. The current recycling method being used in the country are risky. The authorities concerned collect and dump e-waste from dumping grounds. But, huge outdated electrical equipment, including TV and computer parts, make their way into drains or canals.
Therefore, the government should take effective measures to protect people particularly those who are directly involved in e-waste handling. In view of the growing concern over e-waste, the government should implement the rules immediately. However, e-waste management should be safe and environment-friendly.
With the increased use of technology, electronic waste will go up. So, everybody has to be cautious about the management of e-waste. We have noticed that most people are not aware about the harmful effects of e-waste. So, they dump used electronic items with their regular waste.
Taking the issue seriously, the government should construct modern waste treatment plants in all divisions, districts and tourism hotspots in the country.
All types of waste should be segregated and distributed there. It is important to manage e-waste properly considering public health and environment.
Apart from the government, non-government organisations will also have to come forward and set up collection systems to facilitate the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste. We hope the authorities will be strict on stopping haphazard dumping e-waste as early as possible.