Emerging concerns associated with E-waste exposure in Bangladesh

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to the increased generation of electronic waste (E-waste) throughout the world, and the proper management of this hazardous E-waste is of utmost challenge nowadays. Bangladesh, like any other developing country, needs to develop an appropriate E-waste management strategy and increase public awareness of handling E-waste. This research aims to provide a detailed overview of Bangladesh’s current E-waste generation scenario and its impact on human health and the environment. Furthermore, the existing policies and strategies followed by the Government of Bangladesh are briefly discussed, and different potential strategies that can enhance the existing management practice are also suggested. The study shows that improper E-waste management in Bangladesh resulted in a soil lead concentration of 587 parts per million (ppm) in 2023, which is far higher than the allowable limit provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, E-waste has resulted in air and dust containing a significant amount of Zn (2175 ppm) and Ni (1986 ppm). Water contamination is also a regular phenomenon due to the improper landfilling of the E-waste. Private–public partnership (PPP) and willingness to pay (WTP) are the two existing strategies the government uses for E-waste management. However, approaches like take-back and collection (TBC) and recognition-based (RB) systems may be incorporated to enhance the existing management scheme and ensure a sustainable future. This research will help the authorities develop a complete E-waste management route for Bangladesh that will greatly reduce the adverse effects of the waste by a significant margin.