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Sustainable E-Waste Governance in Bangladesh from Hazard to Hope: Opportunities and Future Directions


Authors : Fatema Sharmin Lucky

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2358z8kc

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3zy5hxuy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1808

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The rapid growth of electronic device consumption has resulted in a significant increase in electronic waste (ewaste), creating serious environmental, public health, and economic challenges worldwide. Bangladesh is experiencing a substantial rise in e-waste generation due to rapid urbanization, technological advancement, increasing consumer demand, and the expansion of the telecommunications and electronics sectors. This study examines the current status of e-waste generation in Bangladesh, identifies the major sources and environmental risks associated with improper disposal, and evaluates existing national and international management frameworks. The study is based on a comprehensive review of published literature, government reports, and international policy documents, with a particular focus on the E-waste Management Rules 2021 of Bangladesh. The findings indicate that informal recycling practices remain the dominant method of e-waste processing, exposing workers and surrounding communities to hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. The study further highlights the potential of the circular economy and the 10R hierarchy as practical approaches for improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental pollution, and extending product life cycles. It concludes that strengthening policy implementation, expanding formal recycling infrastructure, promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and increasing public awareness are essential for achieving sustainable e-waste governance in Bangladesh.

Keywords : Electronic Waste (E-waste), Bangladesh, Circular Economy, 10R Framework, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Waste Management, Environmental Governance, Waste Governance.

References :

  1. Baldé, C.P., Forti, V., Gray, V., Kuehr, R., & Stegmann, P. (2020). The Global E-waste Monitor 2020. United Nations University (UNU), ITU & ISWA.
  2. Prasad, M.N.V. (2016). Electronic Waste: Management, Treatment and Health Risks. Butterworth Heinemann.
  3. Johri, R. (2008). E-waste: Implications, Regulations and Management in India and Current Global Best Practices. TERI Press.
  4. WHO (2021). Children and Digital Dumpsites: E-waste Exposure and Health Risks. World Health Organization.
  5. UNEP (2019). A New Circular Vision for Electronics: Time for a Global Reboot. United Nations Environment Programme.
  6. Li, J., Lopez, N., & Liu, L. (2018). E-waste recycling and its environmental impact. Journal of Environmental Management.
  7. Akhtar, N., & Prakash, S. (2020). Global E-waste management: challenges and opportunities. Waste Management & Research.
  8. Bangladesh Government (2021). E-waste Management Rules 2021. Department of Environment (DoE).
  9. European Union (2012). WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU. Official Journal of the European Union.
  10. Basel Convention Secretariat (2011). Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The rapid growth of electronic device consumption has resulted in a significant increase in electronic waste (ewaste), creating serious environmental, public health, and economic challenges worldwide. Bangladesh is experiencing a substantial rise in e-waste generation due to rapid urbanization, technological advancement, increasing consumer demand, and the expansion of the telecommunications and electronics sectors. This study examines the current status of e-waste generation in Bangladesh, identifies the major sources and environmental risks associated with improper disposal, and evaluates existing national and international management frameworks. The study is based on a comprehensive review of published literature, government reports, and international policy documents, with a particular focus on the E-waste Management Rules 2021 of Bangladesh. The findings indicate that informal recycling practices remain the dominant method of e-waste processing, exposing workers and surrounding communities to hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. The study further highlights the potential of the circular economy and the 10R hierarchy as practical approaches for improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental pollution, and extending product life cycles. It concludes that strengthening policy implementation, expanding formal recycling infrastructure, promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and increasing public awareness are essential for achieving sustainable e-waste governance in Bangladesh.

Keywords : Electronic Waste (E-waste), Bangladesh, Circular Economy, 10R Framework, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Waste Management, Environmental Governance, Waste Governance.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - August - 2026

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