Report Warns of Rising US E-Waste Shipments to Southeast Asia

Report Warns of Rising US E-Waste Shipments to Southeast Asia
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Millions of tons of discarded electronics from the United States are being shipped to developing countries in Southeast Asia ill-equipped to safely manage hazardous waste, according to a new investigation by the Seattle-based Basel Action Network (BAN).

As reported by Arab News, the environmental watchdog said its two-year review uncovered at least 10 US companies exporting used electronics to Asia and the Middle East, describing the trend as a “hidden tsunami” of e-waste. Electronic waste typically contains toxic substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury, and improper disposal can contaminate soil, air and water.

Global e-waste reached a record 62 million metric tons in 2022 and is projected to hit 82 million by 2030, according to UN agencies. Asia already generates nearly half of the world’s total.

BAN estimates that around 2,000 containers — roughly 33,000 metric tons — of used electronics leave US ports each month. Shipments are often mislabeled as raw metals or recyclable goods to bypass regulations and bans under the Basel Convention, which prohibits hazardous waste exports to many developing nations. The US is the only industrialized country that has not ratified the treaty.

The report identifies companies including Attan Recycling, Corporate eWaste Solutions, PPM Recycling and Semsotai as exporters. Several denied wrongdoing or said they complied with trade and environmental rules.

BAN said the exports overwhelm local waste systems, exposing informal workers to toxic fumes in unsafe scrapyards. Researchers and activists warned the practice amounts to “waste colonialism,” urging stronger enforcement to prevent pollution transfer from richer nations.