IAEA Topic A 2016 - Nord Anglia Education
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Committee: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Topic A: Ensuring Proper Discardment of E-waste Written by: Andrea Villarreal Rodríguez and Alan Garza Arroyo
I. Committee Background
The International Atomic Energy Agency, also called the Atoms for Peace Agency or abbreviated as IAEA, was established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use and safety of atomic energy or nuclear power. The IAEA’s headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria, however, it has various regional offices located in Geneva, New York, Toronto, and Tokyo. The Atoms for Peace Agency’s Director General is Yukiya Amano, who has presided over the organization since July of 2009. As an independent international organization related to the United Nations’ system, the IAEA’s relationship with the UN is regulated by a special agreement, with the purpose of the recognition of IAEA’S autonomy regarding the subject of peaceful uses of atomic technology. This international organization has three main areas it works on, which are: nuclear technology and applications, nuclear safety and security, and safeguards and verifications. The agency is currently overlooking security procedures in nuclear accidents of Chernobyl in Ukraine and Fukushima in Japan. The IAEA today continues to monitor the nuclear programmes in Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
II. Topic information
A) History of Topic
According to Electronic Rédux, electronic waste, known informally as “e-waste”, refers to unwanted, non-working and often antiquated pieces of electronics. Technology has granted us incredible and vast benefits, but its rapid advance has burdened us with a large amount of e-waste. Its origins cannot be specifically traced, but it is believed that it began with the widespread ownership of the television in 1976. The damaging effects of throwing away these entertainment centers was unknown, especially the impact of lead-filled cathode ray tubes (CRT) that TVs contained. As a result, these appliances were thrown out as they became out-of-date. As brand new gadgets and their state-of-the-art features fascinated the public worldwide, more and more devices were thrown away. (CDR Global, 2015) These devices have a short lifespan. Most Americans own a cellphone for only approximately 18 months, as stated by the iFixit organization. Other devices that are commonly discarded are computers, printers, fax machines, VCRs and MP3 players, among others. (Electronic Rédux, 2011)
The world has produced an astonishing amount of e-waste. Our planet now hosts 41.8 million tons of electronic waste, as stated in a report made by the United Nations University (UNU). Yet, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that 90% of e-waste, worth nearly $19 billion United States dollars, is illegally traded and dumped. (Nichols, 2015) E-waste is a globalized business trade, with developed nations shipping their burdening amounts of electronic waste to developing nations, sometimes illegally. These nations have become toxic junkyards, where they
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
receive about 70% to 80% of the global measure of e-waste, according to the TechRepublic. The landfills in the developing nations are allegedly responsible for sorting the trash, selling scrap metal and reusing what is possible. However, sometimes lower environmental standards, cheap labor, and lackadaisical disposal processes lead to irresponsible dumping and destruction. (Gilpin, 2014)
These manufactured devices regularly contain a variety of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and steel. Some include hazardous halogenated compounds and cathode ray tubes (CRT), which are infamously recognized for being some of the hardest materials to recycle. Furthermore, different types of plastic and flame retardants can be seen throughout many of these appliances. According to the United Nations' Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP), about sixty elements of the Periodic Table could be found in a variety of gadgets. When disposed of improperly, these end up being extremely harmful to the environment and public health. (Gilpin, 2014) With the negligent incineration of electronic waste, e-waste releases dangerous chemicals into the air instantly, intoxicating those who live and work around electronic waste. Furthermore, by shredding, disassembling, and leaving e-waste in landfills, chemicals are released into the soil and water, causing long-term problems. These gadgets, filled to the brim with dangerous chemicals, have to be properly disposed of in order to prevent environmental contamination.
Global e-waste legislation plays a key role in the global irresponsible trade of electronic waste. A major cause for the widespread illegal activity involving e-waste trade is that each nation has different laws and regulations. A variety of developed nations, such as the United States and Canada, have called upon their states to mandate e-waste recycling requirements and want to be
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
assured that their electronic waste is “recycled to the highest environmental standards” and are also “seeking written assurances that their returns are not being subjected to unscrupulous export for recycling in the world’s poorest regions.” Other countries, like Japan and South Korea, have legislation that mandates that at least 75% of e-waste must be recycled by manufacturers. Also, technological giants such as Apple and Dell, are now developing their capabilities for collecting 100% of products placed on the market. Still, global cooperation is vital to avoid taking advantage of developing nations that often have underdeveloped national strategies and policies on e-waste trade and disposal.
The proper discardment of e-waste is a topic that must be addressed with much importance. Electronic waste, out-moded gadgets that now pile up in toxic landfills, have the capacity to contaminate people, wildlife and the environment. The plethora of chemicals stored in these devices can have long-term impacts on our surroundings if not disposed of correctly. This is why proper procedure and legislation must be widespread. A vast amount of benefits come from disposing of ewaste correctly. For instance, it can earn a nation millions of dollars in resources, save energy and create a positive outlook for the future of the world’s environment. (Wisetek, 2016)
B) Current Issues
Switzerland: The Swiss Confederation, with an outstanding recycling rate of 50%, is one of the world’s leaders in e-waste management legislation. The laws revolving around e-waste management were introduced in 1998, but the country established initiatives before. It was the first nation to implement
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
a country-wide organized system for the collection and recycling of electronic waste. The system, operational for almost a decade now, has established places for segregating all kinds of waste. The Swiss throw away 26.3 kg of electrical goods, a national total of 213 million kg each year, ranking it the second country worldwide. (Le News, 2015) However, the waste is disposed of correctly. Knowledge on the appropriate disposal in shared through the E-Waste Guide, part of the Swiss Global Knowledge Partnerships in e-Waste Recycling and initiated by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. Switzerland has a history of helping other nations with their e-waste programs; success stories include the programs implemented in China, India, South Africa and Colombia. (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 2011)
Netherlands: The Netherlands considers proper discarment of e-waste vital. In 2014, the nation established the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive that established the guidelines for the collection and disposal of e-waste. It covers many aspects from the handling of dangerous chemicals, transport and preparation for reuse, goals for collection rates and protocols as to what EEEs can include. (Mansveld, 2014) Various programmes and organizations now work for the government to support the WEEE Directive. Their very successful Wecycle program is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and assures the “responsible collection and recycling of electrical appliances”. (Wecycle, 2016) An approximate amount of 120 million kg of escrap is collected by the program, and exceeds the nation’s annual goal of 4kg per person by 3kg. (Recycling International, 2013)
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Sweden: Sweden is one of the best countries when it comes to the proper discardment of waste, and it has improved a lot over the past four decades. In 1975, only 38 percent of waste was recycled, to this day, more than 99 per cent of all household waste is recycled in one way or another, that means that one one percent of all waste actually ends up in a dump. As a rule, recycling centers are no more than 300 meters from residential areas giving the people no excuse whatsoever to not recycle. The Swiss divide their waste in: metal, batteries, glass, electrical products, hazardous waste, organic waste, plastics, paper, and cardboard. Another reason why they are extremely good at doing this is because on August 13th, 2005, the Swedish Regulation on Producer Responsibility for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (SRPREEE) was made. “Under the Regulation, TE Connectivity (TE) is also required to provide arrangements for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of any new electrical and electronic equipment that you buy from TE after August 13th 2005, when that new equipment eventually becomes waste. This is referred to as New WEEE,” TE Connectivity said about the regulation of the SRPREEE.
Thailand: In Thailand, there are no specific laws or regulations about e-waste, though over the last couple of years this problem has caught the attention of the population. Thailand has an extreme issue with e-waste and is starting action plans to regulate it, from laws to engineered plans to maintain it, they are doing their best to try to reduce the problem, because eradicating it will take dozens of years. Their most recent action is to enlist the help of the GPWM or the Global Partnership on Waste Management. This organization handles municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, hazardous waste, e-waste, healthcare waste, waste plastics, organic waste and waste agricultural
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
biomass (WAB). Though the import of e-waste is illegal, many countries still practice it, and Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for it to be dropped off. It is very common to see an old computer monitor or motherboard alongside the citizens in public areas. This is such an extreme problem that engineers and doctors all around Thailand have held conferences about their vision and plan to find a way to properly discard e-waste and other components, unfortunately, they have not been heard as much as one would want.
South Korea: The Republic of Korea is one of many nations currently establishing initiatives to reuse their ewaste. Local governments in the nation have created recycling programs and launched recollection centers in various cities. A prominent example is Seoul, the capital city, that produces about 10 tons of e-waste each year. The Seoul Resource Center receives only 20% of this waste and takes devices apart to collect their valuable metals and resell them. “South Korean officials say metal extraction is a US$3.8 billion-dollar industry,” but that it is not about the money but about protecting the environment. The rapid increase of e-waste in South Korea is alarming, as its technologically-hip citizens keep buying more gadgets. Furthermore, its national e-waste recycling rate is only about 21%, something the state needs to work on. (Strother, 2014)
Turkey: According to the Hürriyet Daily News, the Turkish nation produces 539,000 tons of e-waste every year, with about 7 kg being produced by each citizen. With the recent technological revolution in Turkey, increase in commerce and rapid buildup of e-waste has become a major problem in Turkey. Only three companies specialize in the proper disposal of e-waste and only 21 facilities have
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
the capacity to process the electronic garbage. (Mathias, 2009) Citizens and local mayors have been pressuring the government to provide more recycling and disposal centers that actually dispose of ewaste properly, since various scams have been identified. Moreover, another pressing issue is that no company in the nation knows how to dispose of refrigerators, one of the most discarded appliances in Turkey. With a lack of governmental guidance, The Regional Environmental Center (REC) predicts that the state will produce 839,000 tons by 2020. (Recycling International, 2012)
C) UN Actions:
Currently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is working on the Global Partnership on Waste Management to stabilize e-waste all around the world. This came to its attention when the lifespan of almost all electronics shortened dramatically in the early 2000s, and most e-waste is dropped in developing countries and this has caused many health hazards for the citizens. To fulfill their goal, they plan to “develop sustainable business plans which will include an effective take-back system, a manual dismantling facility, local pre-processing activities and sound end-processing activities. These activities will be undertaken in close cooperation with other partners working in this field.” (UNEP, 2016) The Global Partnership on Waste Management is working on various areas of environmental issues as well, but over the years, this issue has required more and more attention from them.
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
III. Conclusion
To this date, 41.8 million tons of electronic waste pollutes our lands, as stated by the United Nations University. This astonishing amount has been due to rapid technological advancement and the high rates of consumerism. Electronic waste contains uncountable dangerous chemicals, that have to be disposed of correctly in order to prevent environmental contamination. The problem of overflowing e-waste varies worldwide; but is more prevalent in developing nations, considered dumping yards for first-world waste. The United Nations Environment Program has done its part to stabilize e-waste around the world, with global plans that focus on the establishment of facilities, and activities before and after the disposal of such waste. If the outstanding rates of e-waste are not reduced or stabilized any time soon, our environment will suffer dire consequences.
IV. Essential Questions 1. Is the overflow of e-waste a problem in your delegation? 2. How much e-waste is produced in your nation? 3. Does your delegation view this topic as a priority? 4. How does your country dispose of electronic waste? 5. If disposal is performed incorrectly, what kind of environmental repercussions has your country seen? 6. Has your delegation established programs to improve the disposal of e-waste? 7. Has your nation aided others? If so, in which way? 8. What are your country’s solutions to this problem? 9. Are your delegation’s solutions multifaceted? Do they address the root of the topic?
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
V. Resources "About Wecycle." Wecycle. Wecycle, 2016. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"E-Waste Facts." Causes International. Causes International Inc., 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
Gilpin, Lyndsey. "The Depressing Truth about E-waste: 10 Things to Know." TechRepublic. CBS Interactive, 11 June 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2016. .
"Global Electronic Waste Regulations." Wisetek. Wisetek, 2016. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Hazardous Chemicals in Electronic Devices." Greenpeace East Asia. Greenpeace, 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
"History of Electronics Recycling." CDR Global Inc. CDR Global, 27 July 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Mansveld, Wilma J. WEEE Directive. Amsterdam: European Parliament, 1 Jan. 2014. PDF. .
Mathias. "Turkish Government Prepares to Tackle Growing ‘e-waste’ Problem." E-Waste. Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 30 Jan. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
Nichols, Will. "Up to 90% of World's Electronic Waste Is Illegally Dumped, Says UN." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited, 12 May 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"The Problem with E-Waste." IFixit. IFixit Organization, 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
Sthiannopkao, S., M.H. Wong, and B.V. Elsevier. "Handling E-waste in Developed and Developing Countries: Initiatives, Practices, and Consequences." U.S. National Library of Medicine (2012): Oct. 2013. Web. .
Strother, Jason. "South Korea Attempting to Reuse More E-Waste." Trans. Jonathan Evans. Ed. George Grow. VOA. Voice of America English News, 16 Nov. 2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
"Swiss E-Waste Programme." E-Waste. Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Switzerland’s Shameful Electronic Waste Record." Le News. Le News Sàrl, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Tons of E-waste Waiting for New Recycling Plants." Hürriyet Daily News. Hürriyet Daily News, 27 Nov. 2012. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Turkey Battling Surge in E-scrap Volumes." Recycling International. Recycling International, 20 Dec. 2012. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
United Nations. United Nations University. Global E-Waste Volume Hits New Peak in 2014: UNU Report. United Nations University. UNU Office of Communications, 20 Apr. 2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Wecycle: First Drop in Dutch E-scrap Collection." Recycling International. Recycling International, 1 Mar. 2013. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
"What Is E-Waste?" Electronix Rédux. Electronix Rédux Corp., 2011. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Committee: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Topic A: Ensuring Proper Discardment of E-waste Written by: Andrea Villarreal Rodríguez and Alan Garza Arroyo
I. Committee Background
The International Atomic Energy Agency, also called the Atoms for Peace Agency or abbreviated as IAEA, was established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use and safety of atomic energy or nuclear power. The IAEA’s headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria, however, it has various regional offices located in Geneva, New York, Toronto, and Tokyo. The Atoms for Peace Agency’s Director General is Yukiya Amano, who has presided over the organization since July of 2009. As an independent international organization related to the United Nations’ system, the IAEA’s relationship with the UN is regulated by a special agreement, with the purpose of the recognition of IAEA’S autonomy regarding the subject of peaceful uses of atomic technology. This international organization has three main areas it works on, which are: nuclear technology and applications, nuclear safety and security, and safeguards and verifications. The agency is currently overlooking security procedures in nuclear accidents of Chernobyl in Ukraine and Fukushima in Japan. The IAEA today continues to monitor the nuclear programmes in Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
II. Topic information
A) History of Topic
According to Electronic Rédux, electronic waste, known informally as “e-waste”, refers to unwanted, non-working and often antiquated pieces of electronics. Technology has granted us incredible and vast benefits, but its rapid advance has burdened us with a large amount of e-waste. Its origins cannot be specifically traced, but it is believed that it began with the widespread ownership of the television in 1976. The damaging effects of throwing away these entertainment centers was unknown, especially the impact of lead-filled cathode ray tubes (CRT) that TVs contained. As a result, these appliances were thrown out as they became out-of-date. As brand new gadgets and their state-of-the-art features fascinated the public worldwide, more and more devices were thrown away. (CDR Global, 2015) These devices have a short lifespan. Most Americans own a cellphone for only approximately 18 months, as stated by the iFixit organization. Other devices that are commonly discarded are computers, printers, fax machines, VCRs and MP3 players, among others. (Electronic Rédux, 2011)
The world has produced an astonishing amount of e-waste. Our planet now hosts 41.8 million tons of electronic waste, as stated in a report made by the United Nations University (UNU). Yet, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that 90% of e-waste, worth nearly $19 billion United States dollars, is illegally traded and dumped. (Nichols, 2015) E-waste is a globalized business trade, with developed nations shipping their burdening amounts of electronic waste to developing nations, sometimes illegally. These nations have become toxic junkyards, where they
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
receive about 70% to 80% of the global measure of e-waste, according to the TechRepublic. The landfills in the developing nations are allegedly responsible for sorting the trash, selling scrap metal and reusing what is possible. However, sometimes lower environmental standards, cheap labor, and lackadaisical disposal processes lead to irresponsible dumping and destruction. (Gilpin, 2014)
These manufactured devices regularly contain a variety of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and steel. Some include hazardous halogenated compounds and cathode ray tubes (CRT), which are infamously recognized for being some of the hardest materials to recycle. Furthermore, different types of plastic and flame retardants can be seen throughout many of these appliances. According to the United Nations' Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP), about sixty elements of the Periodic Table could be found in a variety of gadgets. When disposed of improperly, these end up being extremely harmful to the environment and public health. (Gilpin, 2014) With the negligent incineration of electronic waste, e-waste releases dangerous chemicals into the air instantly, intoxicating those who live and work around electronic waste. Furthermore, by shredding, disassembling, and leaving e-waste in landfills, chemicals are released into the soil and water, causing long-term problems. These gadgets, filled to the brim with dangerous chemicals, have to be properly disposed of in order to prevent environmental contamination.
Global e-waste legislation plays a key role in the global irresponsible trade of electronic waste. A major cause for the widespread illegal activity involving e-waste trade is that each nation has different laws and regulations. A variety of developed nations, such as the United States and Canada, have called upon their states to mandate e-waste recycling requirements and want to be
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
assured that their electronic waste is “recycled to the highest environmental standards” and are also “seeking written assurances that their returns are not being subjected to unscrupulous export for recycling in the world’s poorest regions.” Other countries, like Japan and South Korea, have legislation that mandates that at least 75% of e-waste must be recycled by manufacturers. Also, technological giants such as Apple and Dell, are now developing their capabilities for collecting 100% of products placed on the market. Still, global cooperation is vital to avoid taking advantage of developing nations that often have underdeveloped national strategies and policies on e-waste trade and disposal.
The proper discardment of e-waste is a topic that must be addressed with much importance. Electronic waste, out-moded gadgets that now pile up in toxic landfills, have the capacity to contaminate people, wildlife and the environment. The plethora of chemicals stored in these devices can have long-term impacts on our surroundings if not disposed of correctly. This is why proper procedure and legislation must be widespread. A vast amount of benefits come from disposing of ewaste correctly. For instance, it can earn a nation millions of dollars in resources, save energy and create a positive outlook for the future of the world’s environment. (Wisetek, 2016)
B) Current Issues
Switzerland: The Swiss Confederation, with an outstanding recycling rate of 50%, is one of the world’s leaders in e-waste management legislation. The laws revolving around e-waste management were introduced in 1998, but the country established initiatives before. It was the first nation to implement
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
a country-wide organized system for the collection and recycling of electronic waste. The system, operational for almost a decade now, has established places for segregating all kinds of waste. The Swiss throw away 26.3 kg of electrical goods, a national total of 213 million kg each year, ranking it the second country worldwide. (Le News, 2015) However, the waste is disposed of correctly. Knowledge on the appropriate disposal in shared through the E-Waste Guide, part of the Swiss Global Knowledge Partnerships in e-Waste Recycling and initiated by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. Switzerland has a history of helping other nations with their e-waste programs; success stories include the programs implemented in China, India, South Africa and Colombia. (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 2011)
Netherlands: The Netherlands considers proper discarment of e-waste vital. In 2014, the nation established the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive that established the guidelines for the collection and disposal of e-waste. It covers many aspects from the handling of dangerous chemicals, transport and preparation for reuse, goals for collection rates and protocols as to what EEEs can include. (Mansveld, 2014) Various programmes and organizations now work for the government to support the WEEE Directive. Their very successful Wecycle program is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and assures the “responsible collection and recycling of electrical appliances”. (Wecycle, 2016) An approximate amount of 120 million kg of escrap is collected by the program, and exceeds the nation’s annual goal of 4kg per person by 3kg. (Recycling International, 2013)
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Sweden: Sweden is one of the best countries when it comes to the proper discardment of waste, and it has improved a lot over the past four decades. In 1975, only 38 percent of waste was recycled, to this day, more than 99 per cent of all household waste is recycled in one way or another, that means that one one percent of all waste actually ends up in a dump. As a rule, recycling centers are no more than 300 meters from residential areas giving the people no excuse whatsoever to not recycle. The Swiss divide their waste in: metal, batteries, glass, electrical products, hazardous waste, organic waste, plastics, paper, and cardboard. Another reason why they are extremely good at doing this is because on August 13th, 2005, the Swedish Regulation on Producer Responsibility for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (SRPREEE) was made. “Under the Regulation, TE Connectivity (TE) is also required to provide arrangements for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of any new electrical and electronic equipment that you buy from TE after August 13th 2005, when that new equipment eventually becomes waste. This is referred to as New WEEE,” TE Connectivity said about the regulation of the SRPREEE.
Thailand: In Thailand, there are no specific laws or regulations about e-waste, though over the last couple of years this problem has caught the attention of the population. Thailand has an extreme issue with e-waste and is starting action plans to regulate it, from laws to engineered plans to maintain it, they are doing their best to try to reduce the problem, because eradicating it will take dozens of years. Their most recent action is to enlist the help of the GPWM or the Global Partnership on Waste Management. This organization handles municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, hazardous waste, e-waste, healthcare waste, waste plastics, organic waste and waste agricultural
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
biomass (WAB). Though the import of e-waste is illegal, many countries still practice it, and Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for it to be dropped off. It is very common to see an old computer monitor or motherboard alongside the citizens in public areas. This is such an extreme problem that engineers and doctors all around Thailand have held conferences about their vision and plan to find a way to properly discard e-waste and other components, unfortunately, they have not been heard as much as one would want.
South Korea: The Republic of Korea is one of many nations currently establishing initiatives to reuse their ewaste. Local governments in the nation have created recycling programs and launched recollection centers in various cities. A prominent example is Seoul, the capital city, that produces about 10 tons of e-waste each year. The Seoul Resource Center receives only 20% of this waste and takes devices apart to collect their valuable metals and resell them. “South Korean officials say metal extraction is a US$3.8 billion-dollar industry,” but that it is not about the money but about protecting the environment. The rapid increase of e-waste in South Korea is alarming, as its technologically-hip citizens keep buying more gadgets. Furthermore, its national e-waste recycling rate is only about 21%, something the state needs to work on. (Strother, 2014)
Turkey: According to the Hürriyet Daily News, the Turkish nation produces 539,000 tons of e-waste every year, with about 7 kg being produced by each citizen. With the recent technological revolution in Turkey, increase in commerce and rapid buildup of e-waste has become a major problem in Turkey. Only three companies specialize in the proper disposal of e-waste and only 21 facilities have
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
the capacity to process the electronic garbage. (Mathias, 2009) Citizens and local mayors have been pressuring the government to provide more recycling and disposal centers that actually dispose of ewaste properly, since various scams have been identified. Moreover, another pressing issue is that no company in the nation knows how to dispose of refrigerators, one of the most discarded appliances in Turkey. With a lack of governmental guidance, The Regional Environmental Center (REC) predicts that the state will produce 839,000 tons by 2020. (Recycling International, 2012)
C) UN Actions:
Currently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is working on the Global Partnership on Waste Management to stabilize e-waste all around the world. This came to its attention when the lifespan of almost all electronics shortened dramatically in the early 2000s, and most e-waste is dropped in developing countries and this has caused many health hazards for the citizens. To fulfill their goal, they plan to “develop sustainable business plans which will include an effective take-back system, a manual dismantling facility, local pre-processing activities and sound end-processing activities. These activities will be undertaken in close cooperation with other partners working in this field.” (UNEP, 2016) The Global Partnership on Waste Management is working on various areas of environmental issues as well, but over the years, this issue has required more and more attention from them.
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
III. Conclusion
To this date, 41.8 million tons of electronic waste pollutes our lands, as stated by the United Nations University. This astonishing amount has been due to rapid technological advancement and the high rates of consumerism. Electronic waste contains uncountable dangerous chemicals, that have to be disposed of correctly in order to prevent environmental contamination. The problem of overflowing e-waste varies worldwide; but is more prevalent in developing nations, considered dumping yards for first-world waste. The United Nations Environment Program has done its part to stabilize e-waste around the world, with global plans that focus on the establishment of facilities, and activities before and after the disposal of such waste. If the outstanding rates of e-waste are not reduced or stabilized any time soon, our environment will suffer dire consequences.
IV. Essential Questions 1. Is the overflow of e-waste a problem in your delegation? 2. How much e-waste is produced in your nation? 3. Does your delegation view this topic as a priority? 4. How does your country dispose of electronic waste? 5. If disposal is performed incorrectly, what kind of environmental repercussions has your country seen? 6. Has your delegation established programs to improve the disposal of e-waste? 7. Has your nation aided others? If so, in which way? 8. What are your country’s solutions to this problem? 9. Are your delegation’s solutions multifaceted? Do they address the root of the topic?
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
V. Resources "About Wecycle." Wecycle. Wecycle, 2016. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"E-Waste Facts." Causes International. Causes International Inc., 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
Gilpin, Lyndsey. "The Depressing Truth about E-waste: 10 Things to Know." TechRepublic. CBS Interactive, 11 June 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2016. .
"Global Electronic Waste Regulations." Wisetek. Wisetek, 2016. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Hazardous Chemicals in Electronic Devices." Greenpeace East Asia. Greenpeace, 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
"History of Electronics Recycling." CDR Global Inc. CDR Global, 27 July 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
Mansveld, Wilma J. WEEE Directive. Amsterdam: European Parliament, 1 Jan. 2014. PDF. .
Mathias. "Turkish Government Prepares to Tackle Growing ‘e-waste’ Problem." E-Waste. Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 30 Jan. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
Nichols, Will. "Up to 90% of World's Electronic Waste Is Illegally Dumped, Says UN." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited, 12 May 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"The Problem with E-Waste." IFixit. IFixit Organization, 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. .
Sthiannopkao, S., M.H. Wong, and B.V. Elsevier. "Handling E-waste in Developed and Developing Countries: Initiatives, Practices, and Consequences." U.S. National Library of Medicine (2012): Oct. 2013. Web. .
Strother, Jason. "South Korea Attempting to Reuse More E-Waste." Trans. Jonathan Evans. Ed. George Grow. VOA. Voice of America English News, 16 Nov. 2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
"Swiss E-Waste Programme." E-Waste. Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
"Switzerland’s Shameful Electronic Waste Record." Le News. Le News Sàrl, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016. .
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ISRMUN 2016
“Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”
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