FILIPINOS produce two to five kilograms of e-waste per inhabitant, according to a study of the International Telecommunication Union, United Nations University and the International Solid Waste Association.
Globally, some 44.7 million metric tons of e-waste were generated in 2016 or 6.1 kg per inhabitant, the Global E-Waste Monitor 2017 study showed.
Examples of e-waste are broken appliances, outmoded gadgets, busted lamps and other unwanted electrical and electronic products that are improperly recycled, burned or disposed of. They can pollute the environment with health-damaging chemicals.
Levels of e-waste and its improper and unsafe treatment and disposal through burning or dumping are rising, according to the study. Experts estimate that e-waste generation will reach 52.2 million metric tons by 2021.
Among the hazardous substances that make up electrical and electronic equipment and their wastes are heavy metals such as cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead and mercury, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDes) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), among dozens of other toxic chemical compounds. Reckless disposal practices can result in the release of these nasty chemicals. Exposure to mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can damage the brain and the central nervous system.
Is the Philippines capable of handling e-waste? What policies do we have on this? While this may be too technical, each one of us can take practical steps to minimize e-waste. For one, extend the life of your existing electronics instead of buying new ones. Consider whether you truly need to get new ones before rushing to buy the latest stuff.
Have broken electronics repaired. Have outdated component of an electronic product refurbished or upgraded instead of buying an entirely new replacement.
Never dispose of unwanted but still usable electronics. Pass them on to relatives and friends for reuse or donate to charities and schools. What might be of no use to you, might come in handy for some people.
Collect spent household batteries, cellphone batteries, fluorescent lamps, empty ink cartridges and the like, label and safely store them in a container with cover and kept out of reach of children and pets. These should be safely managed or disposed of in an environmentally-sound manner and not mixed with regular waste.
If you really need to spend for new electronics, choose items with less hazardous substances, with greater recycled content, with higher energy efficiency, with longer life span, and those that will produce less waste.
It is crucial to take good care of your electronic device – whether it’s brand new, refurbished or hand-me down – as sound maintenance will prolong its lifespan.
