UN 
As China tightens its restrictions on electronic waste imports, Bangladesh is increasingly becoming a major destination for discarded electronic devices, raising serious environmental and health concerns. Despite the introduction of the Hazardous Waste (e-waste) Management Rules in 2021, which aimed to regulate the handling and disposal of e-waste, enforcement challenges and illicit trade routes have allowed a significant influx of hazardous materials into the country.
The global shift away from China as the primary receiver of e-waste has redirected much of this toxic stream to Bangladesh, where regulatory frameworks remain weak and monitoring is limited. Electronic waste, which includes obsolete computers, mobile phones, and other devices, often contains harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When improperly processed, these substances pose severe risks to human health and ecosystems.
Experts warn that the growing volume of e-waste threatens to create a “digital graveyard” in Bangladesh, where informal recycling practices expose workers and nearby communities to toxic chemicals. The economic incentives for informal recyclers remain high, as valuable metals are recovered with minimal safety measures. Consequently, the country faces mounting challenges in managing this waste sustainably and protecting vulnerable populations.
International environmental organizations emphasize the need for strengthened regulatory capacity, better enforcement of existing laws, and enhanced cross-border cooperation to curb illegal e-waste shipments. They also call for increased awareness and investment in formal recycling infrastructure to ensure safe and environmentally sound processing. Bangladesh’s trajectory highlights the broader global challenge of managing e-waste in a way that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 3 on good health and well-being.
As the world grapples with the growing electronic waste crisis, Bangladesh’s experience underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies and international collaboration to prevent the displacement of hazardous waste to countries least equipped to handle it.
