Legal Measures Concerning Management of Electronic Waste: Case Study on Factory Acts

Abstract

This research aims to explore the electronic waste situation, background, concept, theories as well as laws relevant to measures on the management of electronic waste, by comparing to the foreign laws. Another purpose is to study legal problems concerning the management of electronic waste in Thailand to propose solutions and legal measures that can be enforced appropriately. According to the study, the volume of electronic waste in 2018 was 414,600 tons or 65 percent. The electronic waste must be disposed of correctly by using academic principles. There are not any legal measures concerning the management of electronic waste in Thailand, causing improper management of electronic waste. Therefore, legal measures suitable for electronic waste management are as follows: 1) An inspection system should be applied after importing electronic waste, to prevent the issue of illegal electronic waste dumping or prevention of improper disposal. 2) Additional legislations should be issued to ban the utilization of dangerous substances or to limit the quantity of electronic product design use. 3) It is required that the manufacturer be responsible for recalling and collecting electronic waste to be sent to the factory, where the recycling process is operated or the factory where the disposal of the electronic waste is undertaken properly. 4) It is required that electronic waste management be operated by only one responsible unit.5) Environmental funds should be provided at the local level 6) Additional penalty should be imposed in the form of punitive damages to make the offender fear of electronic waste carcass.