‘In the developing world, burning old televisions and other electronic junk has become a desperate survival practice for poor communities. As the use of raw materials continues to soar, scavengers increasingly resort to questionable methods to extract precious metals, such as copper and aluminum, from waste electronics. This technique not only threatens the health and well-being of the people but also causes massive environmental destruction.’

The Tide Turns Back on E-Waste

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is now one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. According to the United Nations, more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste are produced annually, much of it in countries with inadequate recycling infrastructure. Old televisions, for example, are often shipped from wealthier nations to poorer regions, where they are dismantled and processed in unsafe conditions.

These outdated appliances contain secondary metals such as gold, copper, and palladium, making them attractive destinations for unorganized recycling sectors. However, the methods are rudimentary, involving incineration in the open or acid baths, which releases toxic chemical residue such as lead, mercury, and dioxins.

Health Dangers to the Workforce and Communities

The workers involved in this dangerous business are susceptible to severe health effects. Burning television parts consists of releasing toxic gasses that are inhaled by the workers, leading to respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders, and cancer disease resulting from long-term exposure. Children involved in these operations are more susceptible to such chemicals, which may also lead to harmful impacts on their physical and mental development.

Local communities around the e-waste processing centers are also involved. Accidental soil and water contamination due to improper disposal of hazardous residues causes widespread public health crises. With obvious devastating consequences, a lack of any viable economic alternatives forces them to continue working under these life-threatening conditions.

Environmental Effects of Burning E-Waste

Equally worrying is the fallout from e-waste burning, which affects the environment. When e-waste is burnt, toxic chemicals emitted by the combustion contribute to pollution in the air, regional air quality, and global climate change.’ The residue from burning is also drained into rivers and groundwater, further poisoning the ecosystems and biodiversity balance.

International organizations have flagged the illegal shipment and improper recycling of e-waste as critical issues, yet regulation enforcement remains weak. The Basel Convention, aimed at controlling the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, is often violated, with discarded electronics finding their way into unregulated processing centers.’

Towards Sustainable Solutions

‘Tackling the e-waste crisis requires multiple approaches. Governments and corporations must invest in formal recycling facilities with safe and efficient technologies. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products, can incentivize sustainable production practices.’

Education and training programs for informal workers can enable them to move toward safer, more sustainable livelihoods. The demand now shifts to consumers in affluent countries, who must adopt responsible disposal habits and advocate for more robust recycling systems.’