Various electronic components extracted from electronic products are being displayed for sale on a street in District 11, HCM City. — Photos nld.com.vn
HANOI: Vietnam has seen a rapid increase in electronic waste in recent years, posing significant challenges for waste management.
Experts emphasise the urgent need for Vietnam to establish comprehensive laws governing electronic waste management and to develop modern, large-scale electronic waste recycling facilities capable of recovering valuable metals.
The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and technological innovations have fuelled a surge in the production of electrical and electronic devices worldwide.This has led to a corresponding rise in demand for these products, resulting in a substantial increase in electronic waste generation.
Vietnam is witnessing this trend, with a sharp uptick in domestic electronic waste adding to the complexity of waste management efforts.
The research findings from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology also show that Vietnam currently generates approximately 100,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, mainly consisting of household appliances, electronics and office equipment.
It is estimated that by 2025, the volume of television waste alone could reach up to 250,000 tonnes.
According to the “Global E-waste Monitor 2020” report published by the United Nations, there were a total of 53.6 million tonnes of electronic waste worldwide, a 21% increase compared to five years ago.
Asia emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 24.9 million tonnes, followed by the Americas, 13.1 million tonnes, and Europe, 12 million tonnes.
Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 and 0.7 million tonnes, respectively. — Viet Nam News/ANN