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E-waste Crisis: Recycling Fails to Keep Pace with Mounting Electronic Waste, Warns UN
The UN warns that e-waste is piling up worldwide, while recycling rates remain low and are projected to decline further. In 2022, 62 million tons of e-waste were generated, with metals accounting for half of the total. Only 22% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022, expected to decrease to 20% by the end of the decade.
The United Nations (UN) has issued a stark warning about the growing problem of electronic waste, or e-waste, which is rapidly accumulating worldwide. Despite the increasing volume of discarded electronic devices, recycling rates remain low and are projected to decline further in the future.
E-waste refers to any electronic device that is discarded and includes items such as cellphones, TVs, laptops, and solar panels. In a recent report released by the UN's International Telecommunications Union and research arm UNITAR, it was revealed that a staggering 62 million tons of e-waste was generated in 2022 alone. To put this into perspective, this amount of waste could fill tractor-trailers lined up bumper to bumper around the globe. Shockingly, this figure is expected to reach 82 million tons by 2030.
The report highlights that metals, including copper, gold, and iron, accounted for half of the 62 million tons of e-waste, with an estimated value of $91 billion. Plastics made up 17 million tons, while the remaining 14 million tons consisted of composite materials and glass.
According to the UN, only 22% of the e-waste generated in 2022 was properly collected and recycled. However, this figure is projected to decline to 20% by the end of the decade due to the exponential growth of e-waste. Factors contributing to this surge include increased consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, the growing "electronification" of society, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure.
The report also highlights the presence of hazardous elements, such as mercury, in discarded electronic devices. Additionally, rare Earth metals, highly sought after by the tech industry, are found in these devices. Shockingly, only 1% of the demand for these rare metals is currently met through recycling.
Asia generates approximately half of the world's e-waste, with few countries in the region having laws or collection targets in place. In contrast, Europe leads in recycling and collection rates, with rates exceeding 40%. However, per-capita waste generation in Europe is the highest, with nearly 18 kilograms (39 pounds) per person. In Africa, which generates the least e-waste among the five major global regions, recycling and collection rates hover around a mere 1%.
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, head of the ITU telecommunication development bureau, warns that the e-waste challenge will only continue to grow. With less than half of the world implementing effective approaches to manage the problem, he emphasizes the need for sound regulations to boost collection and recycling efforts.
While some individuals in developing countries rely on scavenging e-waste as a means of income, the health risks associated with this practice are concerning. The presence of harmful substances and gases released by electronic devices poses significant health hazards to these individuals.
To address the e-waste crisis, recycling plants like Nairobi's WEEE center have established collection points across Kenya, providing a safe and responsible way for people to dispose of their old electronic equipment. These centers carefully inventory the items, check for any data on submitted devices, and ensure they are properly wiped clean. Each device is then tested to determine if it can be reused or repurposed.
George Masila, an e-waste expert, raises concerns about the impact of electronic waste on soil. The accumulation of e-waste in dumpsites or other areas can have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly when rainwater carries these elements into the soil, leading to contamination.
The report acknowledges the role of individuals in the developing world who rely on e-waste for their livelihoods. It calls for training and equipping these individuals to safely handle e-waste, ensuring their well-being while addressing the growing crisis.
As the e-waste problem continues to escalate, it is crucial for governments, industries, and individuals to prioritize recycling and reusing electronic materials. By implementing effective regulations, supporting recycling initiatives, and promoting responsible disposal practices, we can mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with mounting e-waste.
The UN warns that e-waste is piling up worldwide, while recycling rates remain low and are projected to decline further.
In 2022, 62 million tons of e-waste were generated, with metals accounting for half of the total.
Only 22% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022, expected to decrease to 20% by the end of the decade.
Source: AP NEWS