E-waste management programme in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps
This case study outlines the experience of a collaborative programme to promote e-waste management and build local capabilities for e-waste repair and recycling in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
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Srivastav et al Case study November 2024.pdf
PDF document • 2.81 MB
The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, host approximately 968,000 displaced individuals who depend on basic energy services for their daily activities and essential needs. Many of these energy needs are met through solar-powered appliances provided by humanitarian organisations. However, the rapid turnover and limited lifespan of these appliances have generated substantial amounts of electronic waste (e-waste), resulting in a significant environmental
challenge.
To address this issue, a collaborative project supported by UNHCR Innovation service was launched by UNHCR Bangladesh, NGO Forum for Public Health, Schneider Electric, Electriciens Sans Frontiers and UNITAR/GPA to manage e-waste effectively and build local capacities for e-waste repair and recycling. The project aims to develop skills in e-waste management and promote sustainable recycling practices within the camps while boosting livelihood opportunities.
A key component of this project was the establishment of a Green Innovation Hub (GIH), designed to enhance local skills and infrastructure for e-waste management. The GIH serves as a dedicated space for training refugees in e-waste collection, analysis, and repair of solar and domestic appliances. By establishing e-waste take-back and recycling value chains, the project aims to extend the lifespan of electronic products and ensure environmentally responsible disposal. Additionally, the project also seeks to improve the overall sustainability of humanitarian operations and support economic activities in both the refugee and host communities.
This case study provides an overview of the e-waste situation in the Kutupalong and Nayapara refugee camps, outlines the implementation of the project, key challenges, achievements, and shares lessons learned.
The report contributes to the wider knowledge base and lessons learned of the global humanitarian sector e-waste task force, managed by the Coordination Unit of the Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA) hosted at UNITAR.