DESPITE daily efforts by cleaning workers across the country, improper disposal of waste remains a significant issue throughout the world. Public awareness campaigns by the government have attempted to address this, but a portion of the population continues to disregard proper waste disposal practices. Chemical and electronic waste, among the various types of garbage, is particularly harmful to society. Chemical waste is the most dangerous due to its severe impact on daily life, and electronic waste closely follows, with its components — whether decayed or not —reacting with oxygen in the atmosphere to pose serious risks.

Recognizing the dangers of electronic waste, Myanmar’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation issued a directive on 7 August to prioritize recycling waste batteries and other parts discarded from electric vehicles (EVs). The directive prohibits the import of waste batteries and EV components to pre­vent environmental pollution and safeguard public health. Violators of this directive will face legal consequences un­der the Environmental Con­servation Law.

While technological advancements continue at a rapid pace, the side effects of electronic waste pose significant challenges to society. Electronic waste can severely impact human health and the environment, particularly due to the acids used in refining and process­ing the elements found in electronic products. Many countries have introduced legislation to tackle the issue of electronic waste due to its contribution to environmen­tal degradation.

A report released by the United Nations on 21 May 2024 highlights the global scale of this problem. Ac­cording to the survey con­ducted in 2022, approximate­ly 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were scattered across the world. That includes items such as old cell phones, refrigerators, and e-cigarettes, marking a new record for the volume of elec­tronic waste. Unfortunately, this figure is five times higher than the amount of e-waste that is recycled or reused.

Addressing the issue of electronic waste requires a collective effort. Governments must continue to enforce strict regulations, while individuals need to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Recycling and reducing the use of hazardous electronic products are crucial steps to mitigate the harmful effects of electronic waste on human health and the environment.

By working together, everybody can create a cleaner, safer world for future generations. As electronic waste becomes a worse challenge for people in a daily routine throughout the world, au­thorities need to manage the reuse and recycling process of these wastes and prevent unacceptable impacts from electronic waste.