A number of environmental experts say the absence of a clear plan for collecting, sorting, and recycling electronic waste in Afghanistan has put human health and the environment at risk. According to them, the import of second-hand electronic devices, together with the lack of a clear plan for managing these devices once they wear out, has increased the volume of electronic waste. They add that, without standard methods for disposing of this waste, burning worn-out devices and discarding them in the environment can pollute the air, soil and water.
These experts consider the lack of official statistics, standard recycling centers, and effective electronic waste management programs to be the main challenges in this area. They stress the need for an effective collection and recycling system, greater public awareness, and the inclusion of lessons on waste sorting and the dangers of improper disposal in school curricula. In their view, addressing this problem is essential for reducing health risks and preventing the spread of environmental pollution.
Sayed Mohammad Sulaimankhil, an environmental expert, says electronic waste, alongside other environmental challenges, has become one of the concerns in Afghanistan. According to him, Afghanistan has become a market for second-hand electronic devices from developed countries, yet there is no clear plan for reusing these devices or for collecting and disposing of them according to standards.
The expert adds: “Unfortunately, we have no clear and effective program for managing electronic waste in Afghanistan. Because of the economic situation, people mostly use second-hand electronic devices, but when these devices wear out, they do not know the proper way to reuse or dispose of them. In many cases, they burn these devices, which pollutes the air, soil, and water and increases environmental and health risks.”
According to Sulaimankhil, the lack of official statistics on the volume of electronic waste and the shortage of recycling programs have made managing this waste difficult. He warns that if the situation continues, the volume of used electronic devices will grow and managing them will become even harder.
Mr. Sulaimankhil stresses: “We cannot ignore people’s need for second-hand electronic devices, because the country’s economic situation has left many citizens unable to afford new ones. Nevertheless, we must review our environmental programs, raise public awareness, and establish standard equipment and centers for collecting, recycling, and disposing of these devices, so that burning and improper disposal can be prevented.”
Kazem Homayoun, another environmental expert, says electronic waste falls into the category of special waste because it contains hazardous materials, and its improper management can have harmful consequences for human health and the environment. Homayoun adds that in Afghanistan, electronic and clinical waste is not sorted according to standards and is often thrown away together with ordinary waste. According to him, the improper burning of electronic devices can release hazardous substances into the air and put human health at risk.
This environmental expert adds: “Everywhere in the world, waste sorting is a basic principle. Waste is not divided only into solid and liquid. There is also special waste, which, if spread in the environment, has a negative impact on soil, water, air and living organisms. Electronic waste, nuclear waste and some construction waste fall into this category because of the hazardous materials they contain.”
He stresses the need for education and awareness about waste sorting, and says that including this subject in the curricula of schools and universities, along with establishing standard recycling centers, could help reduce pollution and create job opportunities.
Mr. Homayoun says: “Because of widespread poverty in Afghanistan, some people may burn electronic waste, which releases toxic substances into the air and poses serious risks to human health. Exposure to these substances can increase the risk of certain cancers, affect the health of pregnant women, and cause miscarriage. These substances can also negatively affect the growth and health of children, especially at young ages.”
Electronic waste refers to worn-out, broken, or discarded electrical and electronic devices that can no longer be used or have reached the end of their useful life. Computers, mobile phones, televisions and other electronic devices are among this waste. Some of these devices contain hazardous materials that, if improperly disposed of, can pollute soil, water and air and endanger human health.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has warned about the problems of waste management in Afghanistan. The United Nations (UN) has also stressed the rise of electronic waste worldwide and the dangers arising from its improper disposal.
The volume of electronic waste produced in Afghanistan is unknown, and no official statistics are available in this area. Likewise, there is no precise information about the consequences of the improper disposal of this waste or the health and environmental risks it has caused so far.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
افزایش زبالههای الکترونیکی در افغانستان؛ نبود سیستم معیاری بازیافت نگرانکننده است
