Southeast Asia has become one of the fastest growing technology regions in the world. However, this growth has brought new challenges in the form of e-waste. With the increased use of electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and other electronic equipment, it is important for countries in Southeast Asia to address this e-waste problem and develop sustainable solutions.
E-waste itself refers to electrical or electronic equipment that should be disposed of. It includes all types of old, end-of-life or discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as household appliances, office information and communication equipment, entertainment and consumer electronics, lighting equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, toys, and electrically powered leisure, sports and recreational equipment.
Asia has become the world's dumping ground for e-waste since China stopped importing waste in 2018. Since then, Southeast Asia has become the next destination for waste disposal, both legal and illegal. Countries such as Malaysia and Thailand are the main recipients of the waste.
One study noted that between 2016 and 2018, there was a 171 percent increase in waste shipments to Southeast Asia after China closed its doors. Most of the waste consists of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. However, because waste import regulations in Southeast Asia tend to be lax, e-waste can still end up in unauthorized landfills.
According to the Global E-waste Statistic Partnership's 2020 report, global e-waste has increased by 21% over the past five years. In 2019, the amount of e-waste generated reached a record 53.6 million metric tons.
Recent data from the United Nations University also shows that Southeast Asia is facing an e-waste problem of alarming proportions. In 2021 alone, the region is estimated to generate 12.3 million metric tons of e-waste, turning the environmental situation from a concern to an urgent crisis.
In fact, according to the United Nations' latest Global E-Waste Monitor Report, the amount of e-waste generated worldwide is estimated to exceed 74 million metric tons by 2030.
How bad is e-waste in Southeast Asia?
The problem of illegal importation and dumping of e-waste has unknowingly turned Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines into major hubs. The problem is not only coming from overseas, but is also affecting the local population in these countries. Other countries in the region have also been affected by the problem.
According to a report by Thailand's National Environment Council, the country faces an influx of approximately 435,000 tons of e-waste by 2020. Of this, only about 100,000 tons, or less than a quarter, will be properly managed and disposed of. As a result, most of the hazardous materials are left untreated, which can lead to environmental and public health disasters.
The Philippines, one of the largest producers of e-waste in Southeast Asia, recorded about 3.9 kg of e-waste per person in 2019. However, the country faces challenges in pollution control to reduce exposure to such waste. Challenges in e-waste management in the Philippines stem from a lack of pollution control methods, limited research on informal e-waste recycling, and a lack of advanced recycling technologies. The effects of e-waste pollution can damage the environment and climate, and threaten the health of local communities.
On the other hand, in 2019, Vietnam recorded e-waste production of 257 kilotons (kt), or about 2.7 kg per person. E-waste in Vietnam is generated through the disposal of electronic and electrical equipment, industrial activities in the electronics sector, illegal import of obsolete equipment from abroad, and the operation of dismantling and recycling facilities. E-waste management in the country faces a number of challenges, including the lack of specific legislation on e-waste, the heavy involvement of unorganized recyclers, and the lack of advanced recycling technologies.
Singapore also has a major e-waste problem, generating about 60,000 tons of e-waste every year. On the other hand, Indonesia took the top spot as the largest e-waste producer in Southeast Asia in 2015 with 812,000 tons of e-waste. It was followed by Vietnam (45,000 tons) and Malaysia (243,000 tons), which ranked next in the same year.
The Potential Solution
Improving regulatory frameworks and enforcement is key to addressing the e-waste problem in Southeast Asia. Governments need to implement strong e-waste management policies and enforce penalties for illegal imports and improper disposal. A positive example of this is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program introduced by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) in 2021.
Investment in infrastructure is also needed for responsible e-waste management to address this issue. A successful example is Malaysia's Integrated E-waste Management System (IEWMS), a collaboration between the government and the private sector to streamline and standardize the e-waste recycling process.
In addition, educating the public on the importance of responsible e-waste management is critical to driving behavioral change. Collaboration between Southeast Asian countries and international organizations, as well as technological innovation, can be instrumental in creating sustainable solutions to the region's e-waste problem.
Reference:
Fundafunda, Joshua. (2021). A Close Look at Southeast Asia’s E-Waste Crisis. Jumpstart
Tan, Zhixin. (2019). Singapore Invest Close to $15m in World’s First e-Waste Recycling Lab. KrAsia
Hill, Dege. (2023). E-Waste: Southeast Asia’s Growing Environmental Concern. KrAsia
United Nations Industrial Development Organization. (2022). The Philippines: Making Money Making e-Waste Safe
Poudel, Kritika., et al. (2023). E-Waste in Vietnam: A Narrative Review of Environmental Contaminants and Potential Health Risks. Journal Reviews on Environmental Health
Chung Duc Tran, Stefan Petrus. (2018). Analysis of Recycling Structures for E-Waste in Vietnam. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 20, 110-126
