'Government should develop recycling'

Out of sight, out of mind, it would seem. No one knows how many electronic appliances have been junked over the last few decades, since people's purchasing power started to climb and hi-tech goodies became more affordable in the 1980s. To date, no efforts have been made to raise public awareness on how hi-tech waste can harm humankind and the environment if it is improperly disposed off. The Jakarta Post asked some residents what they do with their old electronic goods.

Lili Pujiono, 33, is a taxi driver. He lives with his family in Beji subdistrict, Depok:

I don't think much about upgrading my old electronic devices. If I want to get a newer model, I just sell the old one to my a friend or relative who prefers to buy used gadgets because they are cheaper.

I once brought my broken TV to a repair shop. The repairman asked me to sell it to him for Rp 50,000 (US$5.43) because he said it was beyond repair, but he could still use some of the components.

But most of the time I just throw them away. Let the scavengers do what they want with my old radios and used batteries. I believe that most people do the same as me.

We're just ordinary people who don't really know much about recycling and pollution. We have many other things to think about. But if its a major problem, then the government should develop a recycling industry for electronic waste.

Novianto, 29, works in a factory in Tangerang. He lives in a rented house in Meruya, West Jakarta:

I used to change my cell phone at least three times a year so as to get the latest model with all the most innovative features.

But then I realized I don't need a smart phone with flashy features. I only use the phone to make calls while I'm not in the office or to send text messages. I'm not a businessman who has to be online all the time.

I don't throw away old gadgets. I used to sell them or trade them in. Sometimes I give them to the housemaid.

--The Jakarta Post