China tries to industrialize e-waste recycling

For two decades, computers, telephones and other electronics were brought to Guiyu. It is a city on the southeast coast of China where locals use circular saws, hammers and pliers to extract valuable components from electronics in thousands of small workshops.

Historically, the disposal here is not carried out in compliance with the safety standards of workers, and toxic substances usually seep into the air and water. Not surprisingly, this city has been named one of the most poisonous cities on the planet. But soon things may finally change. The most hazardous activities, which involve the use of acid and the burning of boards, have now been relocated to an industrial park in the north.

Some of the e-waste is smuggled in from neighboring Hong Kong through the Chinese city of Guangzhou. But environmental experts say the waste is mostly generated by China itself, which is now the largest market for personal computers and smartphones in the world.

A local environmentalist who works with the Chinese government to resolve the city's problems says, “If you want to get rid of the pollution, you have to support the lives of more than 200,000 people. The work is hard and the income is small. Workers often earn around 100 yuan ($ 16) for 10 hours a day. "

An industrial park just north of the city officially opened last year. However, it will take another five years to clean up Guiyu and improve recycling practices, experts estimate.