Electronic products viz such as mobile phones, capacitors, wires, computers, television sets, transformers, and cables at the end of their lives are known as electronic and electric waste (e-waste). E-waste or electronic waste is created when an electronic product is discarded after the end of its useful life. The rapid expansion of technology means that a very large amount of e-waste is created every minute. Massive accumulation of these devices has generated major public health concerns due to the presence of toxic chemicals in them. Many of these electronic products contain inorganic and organic toxic chemicals to which humans may be exposed during both the recycling and disposal phases of these devices if suitable precautions are not taken. Informal processing of e-waste in developing countries can lead to adverse human health effects and environmental pollution.
The challenge: What are the sustainable solutions to manage the e-waste pollution in Pakistan?