E-WASTE IN BANGLADESH: UNDERSTANDING ITS CAUSES, IMPACTS, AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

The exponential growth of electronic consumption in Bangladesh, driven by increased urbanization, digitization, and consumer demand, has led to a significant rise in electronic waste (e-waste), posing serious environmental, health, and governance challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review focused on identifying the causes, effects, and management benefits of e-waste within the socio-economic and environmental context of Bangladesh. E-waste is conceptually framed as a multidimensional problem, encompassing discarded electronic items such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and household appliances that are either obsolete, non-functional, or no longer in use. These items, when improperly managed, release toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, contaminating soil, air, and water and severely affecting the health of informal workers and nearby communities. The study operationalized the e-waste problem using key measurable indicators, including the volume and sources of e-waste, recycling practices, environmental contamination levels, health implications, and the effectiveness of existing policies and public awareness. A conceptual-operational matrix is constructed to guide future empirical studies and stakeholder-focused interventions. The circular recycling process is discussed in detail, outlining each stage—collection, transportation, dismantling, reuse, material recovery, safe disposal, and reintegration into production—based on principles of the circular economy. Through this lens, the paper emphasizes the importance of transitioning from the current linear, informal, and unregulated system to a formal, circular, and sustainable model. Key recommendations are proposed to strengthen institutional capacity, enforce the E-Waste Management Rules, integrate the informal sector, expand e-waste infrastructure, raise public awareness, promote innovation and research, and foster regional and international collaboration. This review highlights the urgent need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to e-waste management in Bangladesh.