E-Waste

Overview

Electronic waste recycling involves collecting, sorting, and processing discarded electronic devices to recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental impact of e-waste. The collected devices are sorted and those that cannot be reused or refurbished are sent for recycling. The recycling process involves dismantling the devices, sorting the components based on their material composition, and processing them to recover the valuable materials. E-waste recycling is important for conserving natural resources, reducing the need for new resource extraction, and preventing hazardous materials from contaminating the environment.

In Malaysia, the government aims to recycle 30% of the country’s electronic waste by 2025. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is implementing the National E-Waste Management Action Plan, which includes initiatives such as establishing more e-waste collection points, increasing public awareness on e-waste recycling, and providing incentives to encourage e-waste recycling among businesses. This target is a positive step towards promoting sustainable practices and addressing the growing problem of e-waste in Malaysia.

How much Malaysia Produce E Waste?

Malaysia generated approximately 223,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2020, a significant increase from the estimated 188,300 tonnes generated in 2017. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that in 2019, Malaysia generated 123,000 metric tons of e-waste, which is projected to increase to 277,000 metric tons by 2030. However, the actual amount of e-waste generated in Malaysia may be even higher, as a significant amount of e-waste is not properly collected, treated, or reported. The increasing trend in e-waste generation in Malaysia highlights the need for better e-waste management practices to protect the environment and human health.

How can We Dispose E-Waste Responsibly?

The Malaysian government has issued guidelines for the responsible disposal of e-waste. These guidelines include the following:

1. E-waste should not be disposed of in regular trash bins, but rather through proper channels.
2. E-waste can be recycled through authorized recycling companies or organizations.
3. Consumers should not attempt to recycle e-waste themselves due to the risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
4. The government recommends that consumers sell or donate functioning electronic devices instead of disposing of them.
5. The government has also established e-waste collection centres to ensure proper disposal.

It is important to note that these guidelines may vary depending on the specific state or municipality, so it’s important to check with local government authorities for more information.