Public awareness on e-waste management still low

SHAH ALAM - The level of public awareness regarding the methods of collection and disposal of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in this country remains low compared to the management of daily produced domestic waste.

Malaysian Prosperous Environment Organisation (GRASS) Johor Branch coordinator Dr Hayati Saleh said the phenomenon of increasing electrical and electronic goods has not received sufficient attention across various age groups, including children, teenagers, adults and the elderly.

According to her, every age group needed to be educated about e-waste management because the intellectual level, understanding and acceptance of the public vary.

"In my observation, overall awareness is not very encouraging yet; there are actions, but they are not as vigorous as other environmental issues.

"Currently, many still dispose of e-waste without knowing environmentally friendly disposal methods.

"Therefore, continuous campaigns and education on this waste need to be scaled up significantly, even though it will take a long time," she said.

Hayati also said that registered premises with the Department of Environment (DOE) were insufficient, or the collection points were too far from homes, which led people to sell their e-waste to the informal sector.

However, she said, supporting e-waste management is a shared responsibility to ensure a clean and safe environment.

"The public must continue to support the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle). When more people become aware of the environmental and health impacts, there will be an increase in cultural or social norms that appreciate and promote sustainable practices.

"Starting from small actions supporting e-waste practices, gradually, they can contribute to a significant positive impact," she added.