Period:January 2018 - June 2018
Clients:
The report titled “Assessment of Generation of E-Waste, Its Impacts on Environment and Resource Recovery Potential in Bangladesh” was conducted by the Centre for Environmental and Resource Management (CERM), BUET for the Department of Environment (DoE). The study investigates the growing challenge of electronic waste in Bangladesh and evaluates its environmental and economic implications.
The research primarily aims to estimate the amount of e-waste generated in the country, assess its impacts on human health and the environment, and examine the potential for recovering valuable metals from discarded electronic equipment. The study also evaluates existing e-waste management practices and compares them with international approaches to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. To achieve these objectives, the research used both primary and secondary data collected through questionnaire surveys, field visits, stakeholder interviews, and laboratory analysis of e-waste samples. Mathematical models were applied to estimate the volume and future trend of e-waste generation, while risk analysis was conducted to evaluate its environmental and health impacts. Laboratory experiments were also carried out to investigate the recovery of valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, and tin from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components.
The findings highlight that e-waste is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh due to the growing use of electronic devices. Improper disposal and informal recycling practices pose significant risks to human health and the environment because of toxic substances contained in electronic components. However, the study also demonstrates that e-waste contains significant quantities of valuable metals, indicating strong potential for resource recovery through appropriate recycling technologies. The report concludes by recommending the development of an effective national e-waste management framework, improved regulation and monitoring, promotion of formal recycling facilities, and greater investment in technologies for safe recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste.
