UNIDO Concludes E-Waste Project in Philippines

As International E-waste Day shines a light on the growing issue of electronic waste, UNIDO is celebrating the conclusion of a successful seven-year initiative focused on the safe management of hazardous waste in the Philippines.

This project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and executed by UNIDO and the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), concentrated on the reduction of harmful Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Firstly, through the responsible disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and secondly, through the effective management of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) found in electronic waste (e-waste). These efforts were crucial for safeguarding public health and protecting the environment.

Stakeholders gathered in Manila last month to mark the project’s end at a three-day workshop featuring site visits to the upgraded Non-Combustion POPs Facility in Bataan and a community-led e-waste facility. The latter is one of three such facilities established by the project, all of which now safely process e-waste and support local communities by creating jobs and promoting safe disposal practices.

The importance of partnerships in establishing these facilities was highlighted during the workshop, as well as the project’s emphasis on gender empowerment and engagement of the private sector, including Globe Telecommunications and Smart & PLDT Communications. The telecom giants supported the establishment of facilities in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City and Bakakeng Central, Baguio City and various e-waste collection activities.

Leticia Rabic, an e-waste dismantler from Caloocan City gave thanks for the knowledge and skills gained through participation in the project, with the Mayor of Baguio City, Benjamin Magalong, recognizing the project’s closure as “the beginning of a more sustainable and better future.”

The participation of “mambabaklas” (informal e-waste dismantlers) like Leticia in training on safe e-waste handling has been key to creating this future. Such formalization efforts support improved livelihoods and a safer and healthier working environment through integration into the formal economy.

Overall, around 854 tons of PCB oil and contaminated equipment have been safeguarded for disposal through a subsidy programme developed under the project with which 336 tons have successfully been disposed. Additionally, at least 1.15 tons (1,150 kg) of PBDEs coming from 100,000 CRT Casings, and capacity for future disposal has been ensured for long-term impact.

“As we reflect on our achievements, let us not forget the important work that still lies ahead. We must ensure that the progress we've made continues, particularly in the areas of technology transfer, and compliance with our commitments to the MEAs, such as the Stockholm Convention on POPs,” stated DENR Undersecretary, Jonas Leones.

In 2022, 62 million tons of e-waste was generated globally, with around 22 per cent documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Given the complexities around handling e-waste and the potential health and environmental risks posed by its improper disposal, this represents a serious global risk and UNIDO is tackling this issue in various developing countries.

The upcoming Global Electronics Management (GEM) programme seeks to create an enabling environment for responsible electronics management in 16 developing countries by supporting access to finance and technology, alongside policy and legislative changes. Led by UNIDO in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), GEM aims to significantly reduce e-waste generation and increase circularity and resource recovery.