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E-waste heap growing

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-03 13:55

Every coin has two sides. Yet we often see one and ignore the other.

When our media talk about the increasing affordability of once inaccessible personal items, such as cell phones, few are aware of a new hazard looming large on our horizon: the heaping e-wastes in our backyard.

We should thank the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for bringing this dilemma back to our attention.

According to its latest report, we are already the world's second largest generator of electronic garbage, second only to the United States. Given our much larger population base and the rapid popularization of electronic appliances and gadgets, it may only be a matter of time before we overtake the Americans.

Even more stunning is the way these figures are climbing: The report predicts that by 2020, e-waste from televisions will be 1.5-2 times higher than in 2007 in China. Waste from old computers will jump 400 percent from 2007 levels. And e-waste from discarded mobile phones will be about seven times higher. This country, says the UNEP report, remains a major e-waste dumping ground for developed countries in spite of a recent ban.

Lack of a comprehensive collection network and corresponding facilities is an essential cause for our troubles. But more worrisome is inadequate awareness of our e-waste, which should concern both authorities and the consumer.

Consumers need also be informed about the potential environmental and health consequences of individual choices in everyday life and learn more to reduce waste.