The Growing Flows of E-waste - International and Domestic Policy Reforms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i1.2457Keywords:
electronic waste, e-waste, waste management, informal recycling, formal recycling, Basel Convention, planned obsolescence, extended producer responsibilityAbstract
In this technologically conscious and advanced age, electronics have been a boon in raising the standard of living. However, there is an insidious monster awaiting us beyond the shiny LED lights and AI programs: electronic disposal in the form of e-waste has been growing at an alarming rate of 3-5% per year and can reach up to 75 megatons (Mt) by 2030 (Forti et al., 2020). Even among those of us who are aware of the problem of e-waste, few bother to investigate beyond the garbage truck that drives away from our homes. Often, this waste is shipped off unprocessed to other countries where waste is nearly untrackable. E-waste is of particular concern due to the toxic materials that are not found in other kinds of waste. But, due to the economic benefits and convenience it provides for both the countries that are selling and the countries that are receiving the waste, the e-waste issue is multifaceted. This paper will attempt to track the current international e-waste trade through the countries and industries that participate in it. Current international policy towards e-waste is examined with the 1989 Basel Convention marking the first attempt to define and corral e-waste. To truly make lasting changes in the e-waste market, e-waste must be properly defined and regulated with an international standard. Furthermore, the formal recycling industries must be strengthened in all countries with strict enforcement of the rules in countries that export the e-waste.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Alice Wang; Rosemari Nam, Kathryn Lyons
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