Electronic waste, or e-waste, is defined by the United Nations as ‘any discarded product with a battery or plug that contains hazardous or toxic substances which can have a severe impact on human health and the environment’. E-waste represents the world’s fastest-growing waste category & consists of any household or business item containing circuitry or electrical components powered by batteries or electricity. They typically contain hazardous elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, & nickel, as well as organic compounds like flame retardants & chlorofluorocarbons.

According to data collected by the United Nations, a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide in 2022 but only 22.3% of this e-waste mass was documented as having been properly collected, treated and recycled. Southeast Asia alone was estimated to generate a staggering 12.3 million metric tons of e-waste in 2021, making the region's e-waste concerns a looming catastrophe. Some of the factors that have influenced these numbers include technological progress, higher levels of consumption, limited options to repair damaged electronics, shorter product life cycles, flaws in product design, and inefficient e-waste management initiatives. 

To effectively combat this growing concern in Sri Lanka, LEF is looking to award a grant of USD $3,000 towards research in e-waste that can drive policy change and influence public-private partnerships (PPP) starting in urban locations.

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