@ green | September-October . 2024

Managing e-waste with halal and toyyib principles

BY AMAL A . M . ELGHARBAWY

and

ANIS NAJIHA AHMAD

International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM )

An image depicting the issue of electronic waste ( e-waste ). Its shows a large pile of discarded electronic devices such as old computers , smartphones , televisions , and other gadgets in a landfill or recycling centre .

Traditional methods of e-waste management often fall short of addressing these issues , leading to the release of toxic substances into the environment . However , by applying halal and toyyib principles to e-waste management , we can adopt a more eco-friendly and ethical approach to tackling this problem .

A GROWING THREAT

E-waste comes in many forms . We can identify e-waste when we see old or damaged computers , monitors , keyboards , printers , and television sets being thrown away .

Mobile phones are among the most hazardous e-waste components . Admitting it or not , on earth , e-waste becomes more than mere gadgets . Electronic waste , or e-waste , is rapidly becoming a major global waste problem .

The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 reported that the world produced 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2019 , and this amount is projected to increase significantly in the future ( Forti et al ., 2020 ).

E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead , mercury , cadmium , and brominated flame retardants , which can seep into the ground and water , leading to lasting environmental harm and posing serious health threats . Exposure to e-waste could lead to various health issues for pregnant women , infants , and children .

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Electronic devices contain many toxic substances that are usually safe during regular use but become dangerous when these devices are not correctly disposed of .

Unsafe practices at e-waste sites , like scavenging , dumping in land or water , landfilling with regular waste , open burning , acid baths , plastic coating stripping , and manual disassembly , release these toxins into the environment .

In many developing countries , primary and primitive recycling methods are often used , which makes the situation worse . Informal e-waste recyclers often use simple techniques to get valuable components , releasing harmful substances into the air , soil , and water .

This not only harms the environment but also poses serious health risks to the workers involved ( World Health Organisation , 2023 ).

Improper e-waste recycling poses significant risks to both people and the environment . It can lead to severe health problems , particularly for vulnerable groups like newborns , potentially causing stillbirths and premature births .

Children exposed to e-waste contamination may experience adverse effects on brain development , learning abilities , and behaviour , mainly due to lead exposure . Additionally , individuals living near poorly managed recycling sites often suffer from respiratory issues , including reduced lung function , increased rates of asthma , and other breathing problems caused by polluted air .

EMBRACING HALAL AND TOYYIB PRINCIPLES

When we discard something undesirable , it opens the door to transform waste into something useful . This process is highly beneficial and fosters collective efforts towards societal improvement . In this regard , working together under halal principles is essential for a good life .

In Islam , halal means what is permissible and lawful , while toyyib refers to what is wholesome , pure , and beneficial . These principles emphasise not just the legality of actions but also their positive impact on health and the environment .

By applying halal and toyyib principles to e-waste management , we advocate for processes that are clean , ethical , and sustainable . It is mentioned in the Quran that : “ It is He who has made you successors upon the earth ...” ( Quran , Fatir , 35:39 )

This highlights our responsibility to take care of the earth for the next generation as Khalifa on earth . Managing environmental pollution from littering , improper waste disposal , runoff , and gas emissions is vital in Islamic environmental stewardship . These are inherent parts and parcels of halal and toyyib principles .

The Quran and Islamic teachings stress ethical and responsible waste management as outlined in Islamic jurisprudence . Preserving recyclable materials to prevent other pollutants from damaging the environment aligns with Maqasid al-Shari ’ ah in protecting life and resources and promoting a healthy and sustainable environment .

It was narrated from ‘ Ubadah bin Samit that the Messenger of Allah SAW ruled : “ There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm ”. - Sunan Ibn Majah 2340

This hadith can be applied to environmental pollution and harmful or hazardous materials . On another occasion , the Messenger of Allah SAW passed by Sa ’ d when he was performing ablution ,

And he said , “ What is this extravagance ?” Sa ’ d said : “ Can there be any extravagance in ablution ?” Messenger of Allah SAW said : “ Yes , even if you are on the bank of a flowing river .” - Sunan Ibn Majah 425

This hadith emphasises the importance of conserving resources even if they are in abundance , and this applies to electronic devices , implying that buying electronic devices in excess is against the halal and Toyyib lifestyle .

E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

Incorporating halal and toyyib principles into e-waste management involves adopting environmentally sustainable , socially responsible , and ethically sound practices . To achieve this , multiple strategies can be used :

• E-waste recycling processes that minimise harm to humans and the environment are key strategies . This includes using advanced technologies to recover valuable metals without releasing toxic chemicals into the environment .

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in e-waste recovery facilities is another essential strategy . This helps reduce health risks and promotes the protection of lives .

• Designing products that are easier to recycle and contain greener materials can also aid in e-waste management . Such designs align with halal and toyyib principles by