Electronic waste disposal is a growing problem

Dear Editor,

The Environmental Community Health Organization (ECHO) has expressed concern about the emerging problems of e-waste in Guyana.

Much of the electronic waste is dumped in different areas of our country. Derelict computers and allied parts, batteries from cell phones, wires and a host of other electronic components and devices are just discarded at different sites. Such waste contains hazardous chemicals known to be potentially dangerous to humans. This contributes to the process of global warning and climate change. Furthermore, this kind of waste has far-reaching effects on the ecology and consequently local communities.

To this end, ECHO is in the process of organizing a conference with the relevant stakeholders to address this very serious problem and to work out practicable solutions to deal with this issue. Moreover, the organization hopes that the relevant authorities would put appropriate measures in place to deal with this problem.

Yours faithfully,

Royston King

Executive Director

ECHO