UN Warns Developing Countries of Growing Elecronic Waste

In a study released by the UN this Monday, it has been reported that developing countries need to prepare themselves for a deluge of electronic waste in the coming decade. The waste is supposed to be generated by personal computers, electronic equipments and appliances.

Electronic waste, or e-waste as it is commonly called- is on the top of the list of UN Environment Program’s most pressing issues right now. The study forecasts that by 2020, e-waste levels from old computers will jump by 500 percent in India and by 200 percent to 400 percent in countries like South Africa and China from the 2007 levels. Also, E-waste from mobile phones will rise to seven times higher than 2007 levels in China and about 18 times higher in India.

United States currently tops the chart of electronic waste with 3.3 million tons per year, with China hanging in there with 2.6 million tons a year. The total electronic waste produced in the world at present is around 40 million tons annually. The problem is far more serious than it looks since developing countries currently have no proper e-waste recycling infrastructure.Unorganized recycling and random e-waste disposal methods could seriously affect human health and environment.

UNEP (a materials testing laboratory in Switzerland) Executive Director Achim Steiner said: “The world is now confronted with a massive wave of electronic waste that is going to come back and hit us, particularly for least-developed countries, that may become a dumping ground. China is not alone in facing a serious challenge. India, Brazil, Mexico and others may also face rising environmental damage and health problems if e-waste recycling is left to the vagaries of the informal sector.”

Many consumer electronics companies have taken an initiative to reduce hazardous substances used in PCs and electronic devices. Apple and other PC makers have made commitments to completely cut off the use of chemicals like brominated fire retardants and polyvinyl chloride in components and circuit boards. U.S. is planning to promote responsible recycling of consumer electronics, with recyclers, nonprofits and companies like Waste Management creating a certification program to promote safe and ethical e-waste disposal.