ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL WASTE AS TRANSNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HARM AND CRIME

Human beings are deluged with ever-evolving electronic and electrical equipment, which is produced in enormous quantities and bought by consumers. Excessive consumption simultaneously yields electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). Around 80% of the yearly generated e-waste is inappropriately managed, recycled and illegally disposed of in developing countries. This causes significant harm to human health and the natural environment. In the case of acts of illegal shipment and trade at the international level, e-waste becomes part of the category of pollution crime and broader as one of transnational environmental crimes. This paper discusses transnational environmental crime and focuses on e-waste, its characteristics, toxicity and illegal trade. It is suggested that Clarke's situational crime prevention methods be used to curb illegal e-waste trafficking, since e-waste crime is driven by both opportunity and rational choice.