Ever heard of the term electronic waste or “e-waste”? Turns out, if you have an old mobile phone, it counts as electronic waste! Other old electronics like televisions, computers, chargers, and headsets are also considered e-waste. If you have waste like this, don’t just throw it away carelessly—it's dangerous! Some Transjakarta bus stops now have a place where you can dispose of it. Let’s talk about why in this article!

Example of e-waste

 

Why Is Electronic Waste Dangerous?

Unused electronics become electronic waste. We need to remember that e-waste contains harmful substances: heavy metals and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). These can be harmful to both health and the environment. That’s why it’s important to dispose of them properly and avoid letting them contaminate the environment.

When e-waste enters the environment, it can cause soil acidification, making the soil unusable for farming. Other negative effects of improperly disposed e-waste include:

• cancer (carcinogenic effects);
• chronic damage to the heart, liver, spleen, brain;
• bronchitis;
• potential DNA damage (mutagenic and teratogenic effects); and
• risks of explosions, fires, and corrosive reactions that endanger people.
   

E-waste Dropbox Locations at Transjakarta Bus Stops

Electronic waste needs to be managed properly. Jakarta’s Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (environmental agency) has initiated a program to collect e-waste. If you have at least five kilogramsof electronic waste, they’ll even come to pick it up. This is one way to reduce the dangers of e-waste and repurpose it into useful materials.

Before processing, e-waste will be collected at Jakarta’s Dinas Lingkungan Hidup warehouse. Officers will gather it from various locations in Jakarta, including Transjakarta bus stops. Are you someone who regularly takes the Transjakarta bus? Don’t forget to bring your e-waste along and drop it in the e-waste dropbox provided! Here’s the current list of Transjakarta bus stops  that have e-waste drop boxes:

1. Kampung Melayu Bus Stop;
2. Cawang Sentral Bus Stop;
3. Pulo Gadung Bus Stop;
4. Flyover Pramuka Bus Stop;
5. Harmoni Bus Stop;
6. Kota Bus Stop;
7. Tegal Mampang Bus Stop;
8. Blok M Bus Stop; and
9. Ragunan Bus Stop.

E-waste Dropbox at Transjakarta Bus Stops. Source: @dinaslhdki

Steps like disposing of e-waste properly benefit everyone. Properly managed waste is one form of implementation of a smart environment. Well-managed waste positively impacts Jakarta’s sustainability as a smart city. The placement of e-waste drop boxes at Transjakarta bus stops makes it easier for us to participate in environmental protection. Need information on bus routes, schedules, and fares? Download JAKI and use the Public Transportfeature—it’s free! For more updates on waste management in Jakarta, follow @jsclab!