Hazardous waste

Pakistan serves as a dumping ground for imported obsolete electrical and electronic goods. Developed countries, in order to get rid of undesirable computers and related outdated gadgets – considered as scrap – send shipments containing millions of tons of second-hand equipment every year to Pakistan for recycling and disposal. As a result the problem of electronic waste in Karachi is escalating. Hundreds of workers earn their livelihood by extracting valuables from computers and defunct accessories. After dismantling by mechanical means, electronic waste is often burned in open fire to yield precious metal like copper.
The deadly compounds present in the electronic scrap release harmful pollutants that cause neurological disorders, allergic manifestations and various skin conditions to both animals and humans. Moreover remnants of the toxic waste contaminate our water bodies, land, soil and environment. There is an urgent need to enforce laws regulating the safe handling and disposal of electronic waste generated internally and traded overseas.
Sidra Talha
Karachi