File photo for reference only

 

A recent report by the Basel Action Network (BAN) has unveiled the extent of electronic waste (e-waste) being exported from the United States to Southeast Asia, posing significant environmental and health risks. Millions of tons of e-waste are being sent to countries ill-equipped to handle such hazardous materials safely, exacerbating pollution and public health issues in these regions.

 

The two-year investigation identified at least 10 US companies involved in the export of obsolete electronics to Asia and the Middle East. These items, which include phones and computers laden with toxic metals like lead and mercury, are processed in unregulated and hazardous conditions. The growing volume of e-waste, fueled by shorter product lifecycles, far surpasses formal recycling rates, creating a mounting challenge worldwide.

 

In 2022, global e-waste production reached a record 62 million tons, with projections estimating it could hit 82 million tons by 2030. The US significantly contributes to the e-waste burden in Asia, where improper disposal and processing lead to environmental contamination. Discarded devices often end up in landfills and informal scrapyards, where dangerous methods are used to extract valuable materials.

 

The report documents about 33,000 tons of used electronics leaving US ports monthly. Companies labeled as "e-waste brokers" are shipping these items abroad instead of recycling them domestically, often exploiting loopholes in trade regulations. Among the companies identified are Attan Recycling, Corporate eWaste Solutions, and EDM. While some companies chose not to comment, Semsotai defended its practices, stating it only exports reusable components.

 

Despite claiming R2V3 certification for responsible recycling, the practices of these companies raise doubts about the efficacy of such certifications. Furthermore, many of the shipments violate the Basel Convention, which prohibits hazardous waste exports from non-signatories like the US to countries that have banned them.

 

Misclassification of e-waste in trade records is a significant concern, with many shipments falsely declared as "recyclable goods" to avoid detection. Expert Tony R. Walker warned that most exports, though labeled as functional, are obsolete, leading to further pollution. Malaysia, a major recipient of this waste, struggles with domestic pollution exacerbated by foreign imports, despite being a Basel Convention signatory.

 

Despite crackdowns, the US continues to export e-waste to countries like Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the UAE. Recent enforcement actions in Thailand and Malaysia have resulted in significant seizures of illegal e-waste. Malaysian authorities are particularly concerned, with local facilities lacking proper environmental safeguards, highlighting concerns over "waste colonialism."

 

Key Takeaways

• US e-waste exports to SEA are worsening environmental issues.
• Millions of tons of obsolete electronics are processed unsafely abroad.
• Regulatory loopholes allow continued shipments despite international bans.

 

Related Stories:

Factory Raided in Bang Pahan: Over 256 Tonnes of E-Waste & Car Parts Seized

Thailand Seizes 238 Tons of Illegal E-Waste from US at Klong Toey

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-10-24

 

 

Send the us shipments back to Donald.

Absolutely! This is one of the main subjects of my recent book about how we (humans) continue to destroy Earth's biosphere. 🥺

6 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Absolutely! This is one of the main subjects of my recent book about how we (humans) continue to destroy Earth's biosphere. 🥺

I hope they re-planted the trees that were used to make paper and print your book ?

2 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

9 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Absolutely! This is one of the main subjects of my recent book about how we (humans) continue to destroy Earth's biosphere. 🥺

I hope they re-planted the trees that were used to make paper and print your book ?

Not many people have ordered print copies of my book, so maybe just regrowing a limb or two would be sufficient. 😞  Most of the orders are for e-books, and I don't charge anyone for them. And I know all the technology used to create and distribute the e-books is damaging to the environment. Virtually everything I do harms the environment. Humans, including me, are like a cancer on the planet. In my book, I identify three main causes of our destruction of the Earth's biosphere, and technology is the primary one.

Does this include old and damaged solar panels?

Is the Democrat recycling programs in action? 

The US has the perfect dumping ground ...the Grand Canyon , when its full,

Donald can build Condos on it ....

 

regards worgeordie

12 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I hope they re-planted the trees that were used to make paper and print your book ?

 

Don't forget the Immigration will use most of the paper...

16 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I hope they re-planted the trees that were used to make paper and print your book ?

Very good. I especially enjoyed it when dude came back about ebooks. 

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

Very good. I especially enjoyed it when dude came back about ebooks. 

To be seen on plastic technology.....