Illegal trafficking and disposal of E-waste: an analysis of environmental laws of Pakistan.

Abstract

Ever increasing urbanization is accelerating global growth of electric and electronic waste (ewaste) and its transboundary movement around the world is becoming a significant concern for environmental and human health. Right to a healthy environment is as important as any other right associated with the right to life. This research project explores the international standards of e-waste management, volume and flow of e-waste, its fatal and chronic adverse impacts on environment and human life. In this regard, Basel Convention provides a framework to tackle the problem of transportation of e-waste by addressing all possible irritants that could cause environmental degradation due movement of e-waste from one place to another. This commitment amongst a majority of the maritime nations has been openly accepted and ratified by world except United States of America, major exporter of e-waste to Asia. The import of hazardous substances is a crime under the Basel Convention but still both developed and developing countries are overlooking and violating this treaty. The developing countries are letting the hazardous waste in their boundaries because of the financial benefits associated with it and also on the other hand these countries are neglecting the hazards and risks posed to the environment and to the whole ecosystem. With the rise in concerns regarding ewaste management and its final disposal, some regulatory measures have been taken on national levels but, in practice, there are many deficiencies. The objective behind this study is to highlight the fact that this issue is being ignored by the administrative authorities of the developing countries and unfortunately, Pakistan is one of them. Other developing countries like China and India have somehow strengthened their laws regarding management of e-waste but Pakistan is lacking behind. Legislation, regulatory actions and public awareness can help avoid the health and environment risks across Pakistan. Adoption of modern recycling technologies, on the other hand, can help transform the problem into a multi-million dollar opportunity. However, this requires government support in the form of necessary legislation and strict regulatory actions.