Bangladesh e-waste contains $500 million in recoverable metals, study finds

Bangladesh could recover about $500 million in valuable metals annually from discarded electronics, according to a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) study reported by The Business Standard on Wednesday.

The report describes weak collection systems and limited recycling capacity, with only 16 commercial recyclers registered nationwide. A separate 2017 study estimated that 97% of electronic waste bypassed formal recycling, underscoring a longstanding problem rather than a new measurement.

Informal processors often dismantle equipment, burn wires, and use acid, exposing workers and nearby communities to hazardous substances, TIB found.

Rules introduced in 2021 require manufacturers, importers, and distributors to help manage discarded electronics. TIB recommended stronger enforcement, a national inventory, and integration of informal collectors into regulated recycling.

Environment officials said a joint enforcement team had begun inspections around Dhaka, with recommendations to follow.