Thailand has changed in recent years, being remade into a major dumping ground for electronic waste from Western countries. Today, it gets crushed under a staggering 60,000 tonnes annually—a massive increase from just 3,000 tonnes ten years ago. It is extremely concerning that the overall influx of waste, especially from the United States and the European Union, is increasing. It has introduced unparalleled dangers to environmental protection and public health.
To quell the escalating crisis, the Thai government is moving in a decisive manner. In response, they are deploying inspectors to conduct militarized raids on unlicensed recycling facilities, most of which belong to Chinese companies. These illegal plants exist mainly in rural communities, cultivated frequently in remote locales to avoid discovery by regulators. As a result, they have transformed parts of Thailand into what can be described as “international garbage processing facilities.”
It’s no wonder, then, that the United Nations estimates that less than one quarter of electronic waste is currently collected and recycled responsibly around the world. The plight of the people of Thailand brings this international conflict vividly home. Massive crushing machines used in the electronic recycling industry pulverize e-waste until it resembles dirty concrete. This common practice has irrevocably damaged the environment and has been linked to serious public health dangers.
Mr. Akanat Promphan, a senior official in Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the urgency of addressing this problem. He stated, “Thailand is not getting anything from these businesses. There’s no value to the economy; it destroys the environment, it poses threats, and endangers the livelihood of the people.”
Recycling e-waste has huge economic promise, with millions of dollars up for grabs from every ton of valuable metals – including copper and gold – found in e-waste. Today’s trade in Thailand functions outside of the law and scrutiny. Promphan reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating these illegal activities, saying, “I’m fully committed to taking full actions against this illegal business and drive them out. Completely.”
The repercussions from improper and unregulated e-waste recycling operations cannot be overstated. Toxic chemicals contained within these electronics can seep into surrounding soil and water sources, causing detrimental health effects for nearby communities. Jim Puckett, co-founder of the Basel Action Network, remarked on the situation, stating, “Thailand has really borne the brunt of so much,” highlighting the disproportionate impact on developing countries.
In recognition of the growing crisis, Thailand is moving to act. The Caribbean nation is currently debating legislation to fully prohibit the import of electronic waste, similar to China’s full ban enacted in 2018. Promphan expressed hope for swift action on this front: “I’m hoping for the enactment of this new legislation as soon as possible, maybe towards the end of this year or at the beginning of next year.”
This has led to a global crisis, as electrical and electronic waste production has reached over 60 million tonnes per year. That’s twice as much as just 15 years ago. This troubling phenomenon reveals a serious need to adopt greener practices related to electronic waste. The Thai government has been making an active effort to close down illegal recycling operations. This endeavor is just one component of an emerging global movement to address the boomingly fast escalating e-waste crisis.
Thailand is making important strides to combat illegal and unlicensed e-waste processing. It’s more important than ever that nations across the world follow suit and establish accountable recycling infrastructures. Only by working together on the international level can we reduce the environmental and health dangers posed by electronic waste.