Dam Chan Nguyen has spent the past two decades salvaging dead and dying computers at Nhat Tao market, the largest informal recycling market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In the early days, his focus was on bulky desktop computers, but now he mainly deals with laptops and occasionally MacBooks. Regardless of the device, his philosophy remains unchanged: nothing is wasted. He and his colleagues repair what can be fixed, salvage what can be reused, and sell the rest as scrap.
The market, sprawling across several streets, is a hive of activity, with customers haggling and repair shops packed with junked electronic devices. Nguyen’s shop, like many others, is a cramped space filled with e-waste, both inside and outside. Here, workers, many of them migrants from different parts of Vietnam, work tirelessly to repair or salvage items ranging from laptops and mobile phones to air conditioning units.
The bustling scene at Nhat Tao market reflects a global issue: the rapidly growing problem of e-waste. In 2022 alone, the world produced 62 million metric tons of e-waste, a figure projected to rise to 82 million metric tons by 2030. Asian countries account for nearly half of this waste. Proper management of e-waste is critical due to its adverse effects on the environment and human health, as well as the loss of valuable resources.
Despite the scale of the problem, formal recycling of e-waste remains limited, with less than a quarter of it being properly collected and recycled. Informal waste workers like Nguyen play a crucial role in filling this gap by salvaging usable materials from discarded electronics. In Vietnam, these workers collect waste from various sources, including people’s homes and street corners, forming extensive networks to acquire discarded electronics.
While formal recycling companies employ advanced machinery and safety protocols, informal workers like Nguyen operate without such safeguards. They are often exposed to hazardous chemicals present in electronic devices and face health risks from prolonged exposure. Despite the challenges, informal waste workers can help bridge the gap between formal recycling operations and the vast amounts of e-waste in need of processing.
Efforts to formalize and integrate informal waste workers into the recycling process are underway in some countries, including Vietnam. Collaborations between formal and informal sectors could improve waste collection and processing while providing better protections for workers. However, challenges remain, and comprehensive solutions will require concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and communities alike.
In Vietnam, where laws to address e-waste exist, efforts are being made to increase collection and treatment rates while integrating informal workers into formal systems. For workers like Nguyen, formalization could mean better working conditions and increased opportunities for income. Despite the difficulties they face, informal waste workers continue to play a vital role in managing e-waste and contributing to environmental sustainability.
In Ho Chi Minh City, waste collection is not just a job; it’s a way of life for many, including people like Nguyen Thi Hoan. Moving from a coastal province to the city in search of better opportunities, Hoan spends her days collecting scrap, including valuable electronic waste, to earn a living. Despite the challenges and hardships she faces, she remains dedicated to her work, knowing that it’s her only option for survival in a challenging environment.
In the face of mounting environmental challenges, the contributions of informal waste workers like Nguyen and Hoan are invaluable. Their tireless efforts help mitigate the harmful impacts of e-waste while providing a livelihood for themselves and their communities. As the world grapples with the growing e-waste crisis, it’s essential to recognize and support the vital role played by these unsung heroes of recycling.
