An exploratory study of e-waste creation and disposal: Upstream considerations

Abstract

This paper examines the creation and disposal of e-waste using an ecosystem framework that invites a critical examination of people (e-waste workers), business owners, consumers in communities, as well as broader policies, in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the transactional processes between these systems. The study is based in Pakistan, which is the 26th largest producer of e-waste, but is also the recipient of e-waste from other exporting nations. Survey results indicate local generation of electronic waste (extrapolated) is some 281 million in terms of equipment or 1790 kilo-tonnes (2018–2019). The paper illuminates the often hard to measure and less visible ‘upstream’ considerations, such as volumes and attitudes of consumers that drive buying and disposing decisions. For example, consumer preference for brand-new, low quality and cheaply priced equipment traps the community in a short-term gain and unrealised long-term pain cycle, as the negative effects are felt downstream in the environment and by workers involved in disposal. The study also identifies storage as a preferred option for obsolete items, usually because of a lack of suitable disposal options. The effect however is to effectively divert discarded equipment into landfill, with attendant costs to the environment or generate another pain cycle by exposing workers to toxic materials when processing e-waste using informal methods. Identifying transactional upstream processes in the ecosystem will enable responsive action to reduce and redirect consumer contributions to the burgeoning challenge presented by e-waste. The study also reveals high levels of consumer awareness and a willingness also to pay for e-waste recycling if a formal e-waste collection and recycling system was available.