Environmental Sustainability of E-waste in Developing Countries: Comparative Analysis and Developing Legal Framework for E-waste Management in Pakistan
Keywords:
Environmental Sustainability, E-waste, Developing Countries, Comparative Analysis, Developing Legal FrameworkAbstract
In an era of climate change, mismanagement of hazardous e-waste is an emerging challenge which is exacerbating the situation. In developing countries, the rate of e-waste generation is rising dramatically at a rate of 3 to 5% per year, along with the related risks to human health and the environment. Pakistan is one of 15 countries where the recycling and disassembly of e-waste is seen to pose a serious concern. Despite regulations protecting the environment, e-waste is generally handled by informal sector like green waste or is crudely processed at the cost of the environmental degradation and human health with meagre economic gains. There is no exclusive law or policy in Pakistan for Electronic Waste Management unlike some other jurisdictions including Switzerland. Taking the mixed approach, quantitative analysis is done to evaluate consumers’ perception about e-waste in Pakistan and qualitative approach is taken to conduct a comparative study of the legal framework for Electronic Waste Management in Switzerland with that of Pakistan. Public Trust Doctrine places onus on Government of Pakistan to take positive steps for the environment and health of citizens. The study finds that formal management of e-waste by adoption of comprehensive legislation on Extended Producer Responsibility, promotion of circular economy and better import policy are an immediate need of time. Massive awareness is indispensable as individual participation is a key element in the successful implementation of formal Electronic Waste Management in Pakistan.
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