Assessment of Electronic Waste Generation, Recycling and Disposal Practices in Pakistan

Abstract

The rapid increase in the quantity of E-waste (computer equipment) has become serious problem throughout the world. The frequent upgrades and rapid product innovations, especially “Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)” has contributed to an exponential growth of market for electronic products. These electronic items in use eventually ends up as E-waste, which itself contains several hazardous and toxic materials that require state of the art technologies for their safe disposal. However, to avoid high expenditure on safe disposal, large quantities of E-waste from developed countries are being dumped into developing countries and Pakistan is one of them. As per prevailing Laws, Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (1997) and Import Policy of Pakistan restricts the import of hazardous materials into the country. However, non-implementation of these rules has resulted in generation of thousands of tons of E-waste with major proportion directly imported from developed countries including USA, Europe, Australia, China and UAE. The current E-waste scenario demands its effective management strategy for the country. However, it cannot be achieved until assessment of electronic waste quantification and disposal is carried out. The objective of the study was to quantify the e-waste inventory and its processing in three big cities of Pakistan namely Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. The sample data collected from these cities have been extrapolated to get the total estimates for the country. The Study reveals that approximately 76,000 - 100,000 tons of E-waste is being imported in 3000 to 3500 containers as scrap in addition to its local generation of about 38,000 tons per year. The processing of E-waste is being carried out in crude manner without safety gears. Despite hazardous nature of the E-waste, its recycling is one of the attractive business resulting in profits up to 300 percent. The finding of this study recommends the need for urgent and effective monitoring as well as control of informal E-waste management.