International Journal of Waste Resources

Country Adopted Challenges by Sri Lanka in E-Waste Management

Hasitha Sameera^* Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
^*Correspondence: Hasitha Sameera, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka, Email:

Received: 04-Apr-2022, Manuscript No. IJWR-22-16586; Editor assigned: 11-Apr-2022, Pre QC No. IJWR-22-16586(PQ); Reviewed: 25-Apr-2022, QC No. IJWR-22-16586; Revised: 02-May-2022, Manuscript No. IJWR-22-16586(R); Published: 12-May-2022, DOI: 10.35248/2252-5211.22.12.462

Description

According to the report on e-waste management in Sri Lanka conducted by CEA in 2016, the annual amount of e-waste generated is estimated at 20,000 tons. Of which more than 50% are white goods such as refrigerators and air conditioners. As a result, the annual amount of e-waste generated is expected to increase more than fourfold, from 10,000 tons/year in 2010 to 43,000 tons/year in 2030. In 2014, white goods (6,460 tons) continued to be generated. E-waste from refrigerators is increasing rapidly and in 2013 accounted for 48% of white goods (11,648 tons), followed by air conditioners (6,122 tons, 25%) and washing machines (3,664 tons, 15%). In 2014, in the segment of non-white goods (5,889 tons), television dominated the composition (81%), followed by computers (8%). However, the amount of IT e-waste is gradually increasing and eventually becomes the dominant waste component (6067 tons) by 2030. On the other hand, TV programs reduce the growth rate due to Sri Lankan Market, generating 5732 tons by 2030.

When we recall the cost of recyclable materials, the filing indicates that the capacity cost of E-waste TV and PC stock recoveries accumulated throughout 2010 is forecast to be 31 million USD. The current annual e-waste era is expected to reach 20,000 tons, of which more than 50% are white materials including refrigerators and air conditioners. The collection and recycling of white materials is being perfected, especially through the use of a local area network. Although a number of registered recyclers exist to collect and store this waste, the total amount is released using registered recycler liabilities for up to 8% of the goods. With growing expertise in the importance of e-waste control, there is a growing trend to adopt e-waste legislation around the world. At the 2017 meeting, the number of countries following e-waste legislations are 66, representing 66% of the world population.

However, many countries around the world, especially low- and middle-income countries, lack proper regulations to manage ewaste. Although they already have e-waste management laws in place at the national level, these laws are not properly enforced due to inadequate e-waste management infrastructure. According to the national waste management policy, the management of ewaste is discussed and has not yet been adopted and implemented. As stated in the policy, it is designed to provide more detailed targeted guidance to policy makers and implementers covering vertical and horizontal levels in the administrative and managerial structure of the country. Many of the challenges encountered in the past, today and likely to face in the future have been accounted for in its design. The proposed period is up to 2030 under the following specific policy statements that have been included regarding e-waste management.

• Waste management is considered as a part of the country's integrated waste management taking into account the inheriting hazards of waste;

• Quantitative and qualitative targets have been set to promote education, taking into account the potential environmental impact of mismanagement of e-products;

• Imports of used electrical and electrical equipment need to be regulated to prevent and minimize the generation of E-waste;

• Mechanisms need to be developed to prevent obsolete/used products from reaching Sri Lanka through gifts, donations and other means;

• Mechanisms will be introduced to formalize and improve the capacity of the informal sector involved in the repair and maintenance sector;

• An island-wide e-waste collection network should be set up to prevent indiscriminate disposal of e-waste and mixing with other waste streams;

• Infrastructure facilities need to be available for disposal of non-recyclable E-waste;

• Resource mobilization strategies should be developed to ensure efficient state and municipal level electronic waste management systems that cover lifecycle management;

• The manufacturer is responsible for the final disposal of obsolete electronic products.