UN call for global action on e-waste welcomed

A report by the United Nations University published this week by UNEP, suggests that in some countries the amount of e-waste being produced – including mobile phones and computers – could rise by as much as 500% over the next decade. Such rapid growth, it argues, will create intractable problems for people's health and the environment as the waste, much of it containing potentially toxic material, decays. 

According to UN experts, unless action is stepped up to properly collect and recycle the materials, many developing countries will be on the receiving end of hazardous e-waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health.
 
Sims Recycling Solutions’ Asia Pacific region Spokesman, Kumar Radhakrishnan said: “As the world’s largest electronics recycler, we have long been aware of the need for a global approach to this rapidly increasing global problem. We are pleased that UNEP is calling for a co-ordinated international response to the issue, particularly in relation to illegal exports of e-waste to third world countries. Although there is legislation in existence such as the WEEE directive in Europe to encourage recycling, the legislation inadvertently allows illegal exports of e-waste through the back door under the ‘reuse’ requirement. UNEP is right to suggest that legislation alone is insufficient and that a global approach and better enforcement of recycling and anti-dumping laws is required.  

“We particularly welcome the report’s recognition that a major part of the problem is a lack of electronics recycling infrastructure in the developing countries where a lot of e-waste ends up. However, we also commend the UN’s recognition that the growing e-waste problem is not just confined to developing countries.

“Over the last few years, Sims Recycling Solutions strategy has been to grow in support of both these key agendas and the business now boasts over 38 sites around the world from countries and continents as diverse as India and Singapore to Europe and North America.”