Bangladesh has the potential to earn over $200 million annually from recycling electronic waste, according to experts. Digital rights watchdogs and experts on electronics stated that coordinated efforts and enforcement of existing laws could help the country fetch significant revenue from an estimated 3 million tonnes of electronic waste generated every year.
High Recovery Value, Low Recycling Rate
Musharrat Mahera, deputy director of Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE), highlighted that the country's electronic waste contains recoverable resources worth an estimated $200-221 million annually. Despite the high recovery value, less than 10 percent of the e-waste is recycled. VOICE’s assessment found that none of the entities registered with the Department of Environment (DoE) collected end-of-life electronic products during the last fiscal year, indicating weak enforcement of the Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Management Rules, 2021.
Calls for Improved Management and Circular Economy
At a policy dialogue titled "Electronic Waste Management in Bangladesh: Reality and Way Forward," held at the YWCA auditorium, experts called for a strategic waste management system. BUET Professor Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz suggested allocating responsibilities within the DoE, while Zakir Hossain Khan, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Change Initiative, urged the adoption of circular economy practices. This approach focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible.
Tarit Kanti Biswas, a consultant on medical waste for the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized the importance of primary data collection and coordinated action among all stakeholders. VOICE Executive Director Ahmed Swapan Mahmud called for a clearer institutional framework for e-waste management to transform electronic waste into a valuable resource.
The dialogue was attended by representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, recycling companies, and the media. The event highlighted the need for comprehensive monitoring and tracking systems for electronic products, urging the private sector to adopt sustainable practices.
