Green IT awareness and practices: Results from a field study on mobile phone related e-waste in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary findings from a `Green IT' research project, dealing with mobile phone and battery disposal and recycling by businesses and individuals in Bangladesh. Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing sources of waste. In addition to facing the issue of illegal exports of toxic e-waste, containing heavy metals, from the developed to the developing world, waste from current and emerging technologies used in developing countries is also growing, with the rapid increase in the use of computers, mobile phones and other devices. While many of the major electronics firms have initiated clean up practices aimed at reducing the e-waste problem, e.g. disposal and re-cycling initiatives, such schemes have in general not reached developing nations. The increasing e-waste has environmental, health, and other social implications in many developing countries, particularly with only a low level of awareness of this issue, as is the case in Bangladesh. The research presented in this paper, carried out in October-November 2009, covered awareness, current and planned practices of Green IT among 15 interviewees in Bangladesh, with special focus on mobile phones and batteries. Following an overview of Green IT in general and e-waste in particular, the paper outlines the methodology of the study, research findings and policy recommendations arising from the research results.