Electronic waste is growing rapidly - a global concern

The e-waste situation in Asia is very serious, causing a great threat to health and the environment. Electronic waste is damaged, outdated electrical or electronic products. This type of waste is a major global concern. Without control, the toxins in electronic waste can seep into the soil or groundwater, causing harm to the environment and human health.

Asia is currently the largest market for electronics and home appliances, accounting for nearly half of global sales, but also the region that generates the most electronic waste. Contributing factors to this situation are rising incomes, a booming young population, rapidly outdated products due to improved technology and changing designs and illegal e-waste trade.

Globally, about 1 billion cell phones and 300 million computers are put into production each year. The global e-waste is expected to grow 8% per year and about 80% of the e-waste generated in the US is "exported" to Asia, reflecting a significantly controversial argument when people refer to global trade flows.

In Vietnam, the demand for home electronics in the recent years tends to increase with the development of the economy and the improvement of the living standards of the people.