Beyond Recycling: Embracing a Circular Economy for E-waste in Nepal

Bhuwan Chalise 7:15:00 PM

For too long, the conversation around e-waste in Nepal has centered primarily on disposal and basic recycling. While crucial, this "end-of-pipe" approach is insufficient to tackle the escalating volume of discarded electronics. Green Smith Nepal advocates for a paradigm shift: embracing a Circular Economy model for e-waste management. This model moves beyond the linear "take-make-dispose" system to one that prioritizes waste prevention, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and finally, high-value recycling.

In Nepal, a strong informal repair culture already exists for many products. However, this needs to be strengthened and expanded for complex electronics. Imagine a Nepal where:

  • Products are designed for durability and repairability: Manufacturers are incentivized to create electronics that last longer and are easier to fix.
  • Repair is accessible and affordable: A thriving network of skilled technicians can diagnose and repair devices, with access to genuine spare parts.
  • Refurbishment centers give devices a second life: Used electronics are professionally refurbished and sold with warranties, providing affordable options and reducing the demand for new products.
  • Component harvesting is maximized: Non-repairable devices are carefully dismantled for usable components before residual materials are sent for recycling.



Implementing such a model in Nepal presents challenges, including lack of technical skills for complex repairs, unavailability of genuine spare parts, and consumer preference for new devices. However, the opportunities are immense: reduced reliance on imported raw materials, creation of green jobs in repair and refurbishment sectors, decreased environmental pollution from crude recycling, and more affordable access to technology for all Nepalis.

Green Smith Nepal calls upon policymakers, businesses, and consumers to champion this transition. This includes investing in skill development for repair technicians, fostering innovation in refurbishment, promoting consumer awareness about the value of repair and reuse, and creating policies that support circular business models. Let's transform e-waste from a liability into a valuable resource for a sustainable Nepal.

References:
[1] Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The Circular Economy–A new sustainability paradigm?. Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757-768.
[Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2015]. Towards the Circular Economy: Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition. (Key foundational report).
[2] World Bank. (2020). E-waste Management in Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities. (Illustrative of a relevant report).
[MoEST, 2020] Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Nepal. (2020). Circular Economy Promotion Policy (Hypothetical).