ISLAMABAD: Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally with around 50 million tonnes produced in 2019 alone, of which only 20% was recycled, according to a United Nations report.
Experts said that Pakistan needs a proper e-waste policy and its effective implementation to neutralise threats to ecosystem and make useable products out of this waste.
Talking to WealthPK, Jabir Syed of meteorology department of Comsats, Islamabad, said that rapid increase in the quantity of e-waste has become an emerging issue throughout the world. “To avoid high expenditure incurred on safe disposal and recycling, large quantities of e-waste are exported from developed to developing countries like Pakistan. To properly dispose of the e-waste, Pakistan needs to evolve an effective management strategy.” He maintained that assessment of e-waste quantification and disposal needs to be carried out for successful recycling.
Jabir Syed said recycling industry was almost non-existent in Pakistan, adding proper regulations and incentives should be put in place to encourage the companies willing to set up e-waste recycling plants. He added that duties and taxes on import of e-waste recycling machinery should be relaxed.
Jabir Syed pointed out that there are 33 informal recycling sites operating in Pakistan, which posed a serious threat to environment. He said a mechanism should be devised to ensure the recycling of the e-waste was done in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
Jabir Syed said Apple, one of the major makers of smartphones and tablets, has taken big strides in improving its environmental footprint as it recycles old iPhones for newer models and uses recycled materials in other products.
President of Solid Waste Association of Pakistan, Jamil Asghar Bhatti told WealthPK that sanitary workers should be trained in sorting out recyclable material from waste.“Turning e-waste recycling into an industry promotes circular economy, creating livelihood opportunities for people,” he said, adding that the imported e-waste should not be allowed to be transported in other parts of the country, and should be recycled at the Port Qasim by setting up a recycling plant there.
Jamil Bhatti pointed out an open pit-burning in Gujranwala industrial area is a huge threat to ecosystem. Asking the government to stop e-waste burning this way, he suggested launching trainings for academia and industry that there were explicit methods and standards for e-waste recycling.
–INP
