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Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), commonly referred to as electronic waste or e-waste, includes discarded electrical appliances, computers, and mobile phones, has become a growing global concern. Due to the complex composition of e-waste, which contains hazardous materials, improper management and disposal can lead to toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and dioxins contaminating the environment, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health.
The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reported that 6.2 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2022, equivalent to approximately 7.8 kilograms per person. Only 22.3%, or 13.8 million tonnes, was formally documented as properly collected and recycled. Global e-waste generation is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, while the formal collection and recycling rate is expected to decline to only 20%.
E-waste managed outside formal collection and recycling systems resulted in the release of 58 tonnes of mercury and 45,000 tonnes of plastics containing brominated flame retardants into the environment. These substances have serious consequences for ecosystems and human health.
E-waste generation is increasing nearly five times faster than documented recycling. This trend is driven by technological advances, rising consumption of electrical and electronic equipment, limited repair options, shorter product lifespans, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure.
The transition towards environmental sustainability is also generating new forms of e-waste. The energy transition, for example, produces waste from photovoltaic panels, which is expected to reach 2.4 million tonnes by 2030. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) further intensifies concerns about future e-waste.
A report by Ember indicated that EVs accounted for approximately 25% of global new vehicle sales in 2025. Several ASEAN member states recorded particularly high EV shares. EVs represented more than 40% of new vehicle sales in Singapore, nearly 40% in Viet Nam, and more than 20% in Thailand. Future EV-related waste, particularly end-of-life batteries, is therefore likely to become a major challenge that requires urgent long-term planning.
Although ASEAN has not yet established a regional framework specifically dedicated to e-waste management, ten ASEAN member states, excluding Timor-Leste, are parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The Convention has 191 parties and covers the transboundary movement of e-waste by requiring exporting countries to provide prior notification and obtain consent from importing and transit countries.
In 2022, approximately 5.1 million tonnes of e-waste were transported across borders. An estimated 3.3 million tonnes were shipped from high-income countries to middle- and low-income countries. The Basel Convention therefore serves as an important safeguard against ASEAN becoming an e-waste dumping ground, along with the internal laws and measures of member states that control or prohibit the import of hazardous waste and e-waste.
ASEAN member states have made efforts to control e-waste imports. For example, Thailand has issued a Ministry of Commerce notification classifying e-waste as prohibited imports, Malaysia prohibits e-waste imports under its customs order, and Singapore strictly controls e-waste imports and exports through the National Environment Agency (NEA). Nevertheless, several countries continue to face illegal e-waste smuggling.
Another major challenge for Thailand and ASEAN is the establishment of effective domestic e-waste management systems. Limited public awareness and weak implementation of management measures often result in e-waste being mixed with municipal solid waste or processed through inappropriate methods, leading to environmental contamination.
Thailand’s State of Environmental Report indicated that the country generated approximately 686,000 tonnes of municipal hazardous waste in 2024, of which about 446,000 tonnes consisted of e-waste. However, only 152,000 tonnes, or 22.1%, of this hazardous waste was properly collected and managed.
At the same time, e-waste contains valuable metals, including gold, copper, and iron, that can be recovered and reused, thereby reducing the need for primary mineral extraction. The economic value of metals contained in e-waste generated worldwide in 2022 was estimated at USD 91 billion. However, existing e-waste management systems recovered only approximately USD 28 billion in secondary raw materials. The remaining value was lost through incineration, landfilling, or substandard treatment.
Strengthening proper e‑waste management in Thailand and ASEAN member states, while unlocking economic value from secondary metals through the circular economy, is the only viable path in this electronic era. Otherwise, ASEAN would be swamped by e‑waste
Author:
Ms. Patcha Thamrong-ajariyakun (Senior Researcher)
Ms. Pitchaon Noomrit (Research Assistant)
International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD)
www.itd.or.th
Publication: Bangkok BIZ Newspaper
Section: First Section/World Beat
Volume: 39 Issue: 13206
Date: Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026
Page: 8 (left)
Column: “Asean Insight”
