E-waste mismanagement puts Khulna at risk

Khulna city's poor handling of electronic waste has become a serious threat to public health and the environment.

E-waste, unlike organic waste, does not decompose naturally and often contains hazardous substances that can harm both ecosystems and human health.

The city generates around five tonnes of such waste every day, from discarded televisions, refrigerators, computers, laptops, washing machines, microwave ovens, electric toys, CD and DVD players, air conditioners, cameras, mobile phones and CFL lights.

Yet Khulna City Corporation has no full-fledged e-waste management system and has long struggled to cope with this mounting challenge.

Expired batteries from around 25,000 battery-run rickshaws and 45,000 battery-run easy-bikes add to the burden by producing more toxic waste.

KCC data show the city produces 1,200 to 1,400 tonnes of waste daily. Of this, 800 to 950 tonnes are collected and dumped at designated sites, while the remaining 400 to 500 tonnes are left unmanaged, often clogging drains and canals or piling up in open spaces.

Among this daily waste, about five tonnes are e-waste.

Some of it ends up at dumping sites where hazardous components can leach into the environment. E-waste was also found scattered in the open near Khulna Railway Station, Sabujsangha Math Road and Bastuhara Lake.

Mahabub Hassan, who has run a scrap material business for 20 years at Sheikhpara, the largest e-waste hub in the Khulna division, said around 400 shops are involved in the trade.

"We sort numerous types of e-waste in my warehouse round the clock, mostly discarded mobile phones and computer parts," he said.

Ramjan Morol, a scrap vendor, said he buys e-waste from households, sorts it for reusable items and sells those at different scrap markets in Noyabati Sheikhpara, Bastuhar, Gallamary and Rupsha.

"I burn wires to take out the copper, and throw out the rest. In doing so over the years, I've developed rashes in my hands," he said.

Dr SM Farid Uz Zaman, former assistant professor at the Psychiatry Department of Khulna Medical College Hospital, said e-waste contains toxic substances including lead, cadmium and mercury.

"Lead exposure can severely impact the nervous systems of newborns and children, while mercury can damage the brain and reduce cognitive functions. The health risks are exacerbated for those handling e-waste without proper protective gear," he said.

Sadhon Chandra Swarnokar, assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences of Khulna University, said toxic materials from e-waste can enter the environment through various channels, harming soil and water quality and threatening flora and fauna.

Contacted, Kohinur Jahan, executive magistrate and chief conservancy officer of KCC, said a Tk 52.70 crore project is under way under the Local Government Engineering Department.

"Once the project is completed, e-waste management will come under its purview," she said.