On October 14, the global community comes together to raise awareness about one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: electronic waste (e-waste). The devices we use daily—ranging from smartphones and computers to household appliances—have a limited lifespan. When these devices are discarded, they often end up in landfills or informal processing facilities, with severe consequences for the environment and our health.
The Scale of the Problem
In 2022, global e-waste volumes reached 62 million tons, equivalent to 8 kilograms of e-waste per person. Alarmingly, less than 20% of this waste is formally recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills or being incinerated under inappropriate conditions. Notably, e-waste is expected to increase by approximately 2 million tons annually, paralleling the pace at which new technologies are produced and discarded.
Health and Environmental Risks
E-waste contains toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are harmful to both the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. These toxic substances can pollute soil, air, and water, while uncontrolled burning releases toxic fumes that degrade air quality. Additionally, areas where informal e-waste processing occurs often become accident hotspots, with children and pregnant women particularly vulnerable to exposure. This can lead to respiratory and neurological disorders.
Economic Aspect and Circular Economy
E-waste also represents a “missed opportunity,” as it contains valuable materials such as gold, copper, and aluminum. If all e-waste were properly recycled, the resources recovered could be used to manufacture new products. For instance, the total value of materials in e-waste was estimated at $57 billion in 2019. Proper e-waste management is therefore critical for transitioning to a circular economy that reuses and recycles available resources.
What We Can Do
To protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of e-waste, we can take action through the following steps:
- Recycling Devices: Return your old devices to authorized recycling centers to ensure their environmentally sound disposal.
- Reusing and Donating: Before discarding your devices, consider repairing them or donating them to individuals who might need them.
- Supporting the Circular Economy: Choose to purchase refurbished products that support the circular economy and reduce the demand for new resources.
Addressing the e-waste crisis is a responsibility we all share. Through simple actions, we can help reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and improve living conditions for future generations.