Pinoys urged to help curb electronic waste problem

Pinoys have been reminded to do their part in curbing the global electronic waste (e-waste) problem by disposing used electronics, gadgets and appliances the proper way and put an end to environmental degradation and spread of diseases.

According to Mark Salazar's report aired Thursday on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that only 10 to 18 percent or up to 50 million metric tons of electronic waste produced every year is recycled.

Filipinos contributed up to 290 kilotons of e-waste in 2016, which means that each Pinoy deposited around 2.8 kilos of e-waste within the year.

The figures are based on the results of a study conducted by the Global E-Waste Monitor of the United Nations University and the International Solid Waste Association in 2017.

There may be a reason of the low rate of compliance with proper e-waste disposal in the Philippines.

Official records shows that only 13,324 of over 42,000 barangays in the country have their own solid waste facilities.

Moreover, there seems to be a lack of government monitoring as the data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is limited to hazardous waste materials that come from only 24,000 companies that have proper recycling facilities.

But it is the e-waste of individuals and small companies that are seen clogging esteros or waterways.

"Itong ina-address natin na 'yung at source talaga maging mahigpit na tayo. No segregation, no collection," Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said. 

Environment groups like Ecowaste Coalition have been pushing for stiffer environmental laws that would hold non-compliant companies liable for the waste they produce.

"So gusto sana namin na magkaroon sana ng batas ng extended producers responsibility o EPR na itong mga nagpo-produce nitong mga electronic items, gadets, equipment ay managot dun sa kanilang mga produkto," Ecowaste Coalition campaigner Primo Morillo said.

In the mean time, the few individuals like Aling Lila who was spotted collecting recyclable materials and selling these items to make a living are the unsung heroes of the cause.

She goes through piles of discarded materials, often scarring and bruising herself, just to earn at least P150 from a day's haul. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News