Country Status
In 2022, Paraguay generated 57 million kilograms of e-waste. The management of e-waste is referred to in the integrated waste management law, which proposes a national waste management system encompassing e-waste and other waste streams. The overarching law outlines principles and responsibilities for prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, treatment, and final disposal. Electrical and electronic equipment producers are required to register with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and to submit an annual report on the amount and destination of collected and processed e-waste. ITU is supporting the Government in the development of e-waste regulations.
- E-waste Generated (million kg): 57
- E-waste Generated (kg per capita): 8,4
- E-waste Documented as Formally Collected and Recycled: N/A
- E-waste Policy, Legislation or Regulation: No
- EPR on E-waste: No
- Collection Target inplace: No
- Recycling Target in place: No
ITU and E-waste in Paraguay
ITU is providing assistance to the Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible (MADES) and to the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) to develop specific e-waste regulations to introduce the principle of extended producer responsibility on electronic and electrical equipment in Paraguay.
- ITU – CST (2023 – 2025)
Building on previous initiatives in the area of strategy, policy, and regulatory development for e-waste management, ITU is collaborating with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on a two-years project for the sound implementation of national e-waste policy and regulations in Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia. Paraguay is lacking proper waste management infrastructure and regulations, and its e-waste management is largely informal. In Paraguay, the Government has launched awareness campaigns and is working with private organizations. Therefore, the comprehensive regulation of e-waste and the improvement of collection and recycling infrastructure are crucial for future effective e-waste management. The development of Paraguay's e-waste regulatory framework will be made through private and public consultations and engagement sessions to ensure that the new regulatory framework is fit for purpose.
