In a world increasingly defined by digital devices, the surge in electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) has become a looming environmental crisis. While developed nations often dominate conversations on e-waste management, few in our region are aware of the global framework governing its control: the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
Adopted in 1989 and entering into force in 1992, the Basel Convention establishes binding obligations to regulate the movement of hazardous waste across borders, ensuring that it does not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Over the years, the Convention has evolved to address emerging challenges. Notably, the Ban Amendment of 1995 prohibits the export of hazardous waste from developed (Annex VII) countries to developing nations for disposal or recycling, a safeguard against the dumping of toxic materials in vulnerable regions.
Recent updates underscore the Convention’s relevance for the 21st century. In 2022, the fifteenth Conference of the Parties amended the Convention to bring all electronic and electrical waste under strict controls, requiring prior informed consent before transboundary movements. These amendments took effect on 1 January 2025, marking a crucial step in combating the uncontrolled flow of e-waste worldwide.
For countries in South Asia and the Middle East, where awareness of international environmental obligations remains low, these developments have serious implications. Electronic imports, informal recycling, and hazardous dumping are rampant, yet regulatory frameworks often lag behind. The Basel Convention offers both guidance and legal leverage for governments to enforce responsible e-waste handling, protect vulnerable communities, and prevent environmental degradation.
Yet, the challenge is not just regulatory; it is educational. Citizens, businesses, and policymakers must recognize that e-waste is more than an inconvenience; it is a hazard. Governments should implement awareness campaigns, incentivize formal recycling, and enforce the rules laid out in the Basel Convention. Failure to do so risks turning our region into a dumping ground for the world’s discarded electronics.
As the 2025 amendments come into force, the question is clear: will we act, or will ignorance allow the silent tide of e-waste to shape our environment and health? The Basel Convention is not just a treaty; it is a call to action for nations and citizens alike. In this part of the world, the time to heed that call is now.
