Assessing Strategic Management of E-Waste in Developing Countries

Abstract

E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world, paradoxically containing both hazardous components and substances which can adversely impact on both the environment and public health, as well as valuable secondary resources and raw materials that could be recovered if e-waste is processed properly. Developing countries not only lack the infrastructure and technology required to manage e-waste appropriately, they largely rely on a fragmented informal sector for the management of a large fraction of e-waste that is either recognized by the state, or is marginalized and suppressed. This article examines the current situation with e-waste management in the developing countries, and assesses these countries’ challenges. The study highlights that there is an urgent need to design more better framework for e-waste that protect these countries from the problems caused by e-waste that are beyond repair and refurbishment, and to help these countries to advance their e-waste recycling and disposal facilities to prevent open burning on and dumping in the environment that can result in deleterious effects on communities at a local as well as at a global level.