Background 

As of the end of 2023, over 117 million people are affected by the global forced displacement crisis, with 75% seeking refuge in low and middle-income countries. Humanitarian agencies provide critical assistance, including protection, food security, shelter, education, and livelihoods, to displacement-affected communities. This assistance heavily relies on electronic devices such as solar lanterns, solar home systems (SHS), radios, televisions, mobile phones, torches, and electric cooking systems. These devices enhance the quality of life by offering essential services, connectivity, and means of communication. 

However, these devices are often not properly managed during use or at the end of their lifecycle. The resulting electronic waste (e-waste) is typically dismantled for reusable parts, left unused, buried, burnt or discarded with other waste. Without comprehensive e-waste management practices, e-waste accumulates in displacement settings, posing significant environmental and health risks due to hazardous materials and leaking batteries. 

Knowledge Sharing

Management of the E-waste Task Force

  • Convened since 2021, bringing together IOM, UNHCR, WFP, and others to coordinate e-waste initiatives in displacement settings.

Support to Pilot Programmes

  • Supported the Green Innovation Hub pilot programme in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, setting up a training centre and local repair shop in Kutupalong Refugee Camp.

Advocacy and Donor Engagement

  • Promotes integration of e-waste management into energy programming at high-level events and engages key donors to raise awareness.

Collaboration on Recycler Information

Guidance on Procurement

  • Provides practical guidance and facilitates partner connections to strengthen e-waste management in displacement contexts.

There has been increasing interest on e-waste management in humanitarian and displacement settings. The following mapping was created by the Task Force on E-waste in Displacement Settings to provide a brief overview of e-waste initiatives in displacement and humanitarian contexts.

The Task Force on E-waste in Displacement Settings (E-waste Task Force, from onwards) is a voluntary global consortium of key stakeholders aiming to improve the e-waste management practices in displacement settings. It is premised on the shared understanding that stakeholders at all levels must take action to mitigate the impact of e-waste accumulation in displacement settings. The E-waste Task Force seeks to deliver collective action through joint activities, coordination with partners, knowledge sharing, and advocacy at various levels.

The GPA CU manages the administration of the task force, including organising meetings, drafting agendas and action points, monitoring progress on the implementation of joint activities, and maintaining an up-to-date contact list and project database.

If you are part of a humanitarian organisation aiming to manage your e-waste or an e-waste service provider, we would be happy to chat with you. For more information and questions, please contact Elif Gul Demir at elif.demir@unitar.org.

Last updated: 14/10/2025