E-waste flows, resource recovery and improvement of legal framework in Pakistan

Electronic waste (E-waste) is becoming most rapidly expanding solid waste stream of the world. Pakistan receives thousands of tons of E-waste from developed countries like the USA and Europe. At present, quantification of E-waste imported to Pakistan and materials recovered from such waste is not well defined. Therefore, the objectives of this research include estimation of E-waste flow and assessment of potential quantities of recyclable metallic and non-metallic components. As a result, it was found that, on average, 95,415 tons of E-waste is imported into Pakistan annually. It contains a variety of metals such as gold, silver, copper and non-metals like plastics and glass as well as hazardous materials. It was also found out that all the recycling activity takes place in informal sectors without any consideration to environmental pollution and safety of workers. Improvements in the existing legal framework regarding import and recycling of E-waste have been proposed. These proposals include take back, prohibition of illegal import and good environmental management.