From Rag-Pickers to Green Technicians

The Social and Environmental Imperative of Formalizing Nepal's E-Waste Sector

1. The Current Reality: The Hidden Human & Health Cost

~80%+ E-Waste Collection by Informal Sector

0 Formal Health/Labor Protections

42,000 MT Annual E-Waste Challenge

Dangers of Crude Recycling Methods

Toxic Fumes 💨

Open Burning of Wires releases **Dioxins and Furans**, highly carcinogenic air pollutants that spread widely.

Chemical Exposure 💀

Acid Leaching to recover gold causes **severe burns** and contaminates soil and groundwater with heavy metals like Lead.

2. The EPR Bridge: Transforming Livelihoods

**Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)** funds and mandates the transition from precarious work to dignified, safe employment.

The New Roles: Green Technicians

E-Waste Sorter

Responsible for safe handling, initial segregation, and formal tracking of materials.

Dismantler

Trained to use specialized tools in controlled **Transition Centers** for safe component separation.

Refurbishment Expert

Skilled in repairing and upgrading old devices, supporting the Circular Economy.

FUNDING SOURCE: Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

3. Key Outcomes: The Social & Economic Multiplier

• Dignity & Safety: Workers receive formal contracts, minimum wages, **health insurance**, and **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**, eliminating the health risks of informal methods.
• Economic Gain: Instead of being burned or crudely lost, valuable metals (Gold, Copper) are recovered efficiently, **capturing value locally** for the Nepali economy.
• Social Inclusion: The sector gains legal recognition through **Mapping and Registration**, transforming marginalized *rag-pickers* into respected, certified technicians.
• Design Incentives: EPR pressures manufacturers to implement **Design for Environment (DfE)**, leading to products that are easier to repair and recycle in the first place.

Formalization is the cornerstone of a sustainable, socially just EPR system in Nepal.