• Login
    • Library Home
    View Item 
    •   BracU IR
    • Department of Economics and Social Sciences (ESS)
    • Masters of Social Sciences in Economics
    • Theses (MSS in Economics)
    • View Item
    •   BracU IR
    • Department of Economics and Social Sciences (ESS)
    • Masters of Social Sciences in Economics
    • Theses (MSS in Economics)
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Environmental policy instruments use-design for improving E-waste management in Bangladesh

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    19175004_ESS.pdf (1.501Mb)
    Date
    2021-03-21
    Publisher
    Brac University
    Author
    Irthiza, Ahmad
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10361/14994
    Abstract
    ‘Electronic Waste’ or ‘E-waste’ management is a growing concern in Bangladesh, as the toxic components of E-waste have a severe effect on health and the environment. The existing policies for managing such environmental problems are largely based on regulatory measures ignoring the economic and ethical dimensions. With this view, the central objective of this study is to propose a policy package combining regulatory, economic, and persuasive measures. Together they are denoted as Environmental Policy Instruments (EPI). For doing so, the research has been conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the study investigates the current E-waste situation in Bangladesh concerning (i) E-waste generation, collection, and disposal practices; (ii) the condition of workers engaged in E-waste recycling; (iii) consumer and public awareness on E-waste management; and (iv) the existing legal framework for its management. In the second phase, an EPI use-design is proposed to improve the E-waste management practices. In doing so, E-waste generators' feedback has been considered. The main database of the study, compiled through an online survey, includes information on E-device usage, its disposal, and consumer awareness. Secondary sources were the basis of compiling information on E-waste generation, recycling, condition of workers involved in E-waste recycling, and their corresponding legal framework in the country. Findings of the study include that only 11.1% of the consumers dispose of their discarded Edevice as waste, of which only 23% of E-waste is appropriately processed for recycling, and the rest is disposed of by either burning or dumping on the ground. Despite E-waste management being a highly hazardous occupation, the wage of the laborers in the E-waste recycling industry in Bangladesh is extremely low (3,000 taka a month). The awareness and concern among the consumers on E-waste generation, its effect on nature and life, and the importance of its sustainable management are limited regardless of respondents’ education or profession. Concerning the legal framework, the study finds that the existing policies regarding E-waste management are largely based on environmental Acts and other regulatory frameworks. Although a guideline for E-waste management has been drafted, no exclusive guideline or policy for E-waste management is currently in practice in Bangladesh. Finally, a target-specific EPI use-design is presented comprising (i) regulatory instruments (regulation, supervision, identification) to control the generation, recycling of E-waste, and ensure labor rights and safety, (ii) economic instruments (pollution tax, recognition, investment) to discourage the cheap and hazardous methods of recycling, disposal, and encourage research and development to transform E-waste recycling industry into a profitable business opportunity, and (iii) persuasive instruments (social engagement, awareness campaign, curriculum reform) to raise awareness of E-waste stakeholders on the importance and ways and means of its sustainable management.
    Keywords
    E-waste; E-waste Management; Environment Policy Instruments
     
    Description
    This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Applied Economics, 2021.
     
    Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
     
    Includes bibliographical references (pages 47-50).
    Department
    Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Brac University
    Collections
    • Theses (MSS in Economics)

    Copyright © 2008-2019 Ayesha Abed Library, Brac University 
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
     

     

    Policy Guidelines

    • BracU Policy
    • Publisher Policy

    Browse

    All of BracU Institutional RepositoryCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Copyright © 2008-2019 Ayesha Abed Library, Brac University 
    Contact Us | Send Feedback