Electronic waste is commonly known as e-waste.
E-waste has in current times become a global environmental issue. This is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world.
Each year, people all around the world discard millions of cell phones, personal computers, television sets, iPods, tech devices, household electric items, and many other electronic products. Most of this e-waste ends up in landfills and incinerators.
Discarded electronic products include plastic and valuable metals. Aluminum, nickel, cobalt, copper, platinum, silver, and gold are high-value metals found in e-waste.
E-waste is a major source of toxic and hazardous pollutants. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), mercury, lead, brominated flame retardants, etc are a few examples of such pollutants.
These toxic and hazardous pollutants can contaminate water, air, and soil. This results in health problems for living organisms and impacts ecological services.
E-waste Definitions and Overview
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, e-waste is
“computers, phones, and other electronic products that are thrown away because they are old, broken, etc.”
As per the World Health Organization,
“Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded as products break or become obsolete and are thrown away. These discarded devices are considered e-waste and can become a threat to health and the environment if they are not disposed of and recycled appropriately.”
The Global E-waste Statistics Partnership states that
“Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. E-waste is also referred to as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), electronic waste or e-scrap in different regions and under different circumstances in the world.”
Hazardous chemicals in e-waste include heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Less than 25% of global e-waste is formally recycled. E-waste contains valuable resources, but improper handling threatens health and ecosystems, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Workers in these countries are employed to dismantle electronic products to recover valuable metals and reusable parts. They are exposed to toxic metals and other hazardous pollutants.
The remaining waste is then dumped in water sources and fields, or burned in open fires, further exposing the population to toxic pollutants.
Unsafe e-waste disposal methods (burning, dumping, acid baths) release toxic pollutants, affecting air, water, and soil. Open burning is hazardous to the human population.
The e-waste management sector holds significant economic potential but also poses considerable risks.
Improving recovery rates and managing e-waste responsibly can not only reduce environmental damage but also create economic opportunities
Global E-waste Monitor 2024 Report
According to the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership’s latest report, the Global E-waste Monitor (2024), in 2022 the world produced 62 billion kg of e-waste, about 7.8 kg per person. Only 22.3% of that e-waste was properly collected and recycled.
By 2030, this statistic is projected by the report to rise to 82 billion kg.
As per the GESP data, in 2010, the world produced 34 billion kg of e-waste, which has grown by 2.3 billion kg per year since.
Even though e-waste recycling has improved, at an average rate of 0.5 billion kg per year since 2010, it’s not increasing fast enough. E-waste generation is outpacing recycling.
Growth is driven by increased consumption, short product lifecycles, and inadequate repair and recycling infrastructure.
Many electronics are being sold in developing countries after being used in wealthier countries because they’re cheaper.
E-waste contains 31 billion kg of metals, 17 billion kg of plastics, and 14 billion kg of other materials (minerals, glass, composite materials, etc.).
Small equipment like toys, microwaves, and e-cigarettes made up 20 billion kg of e-waste in 2022 (almost one-third of the total).
Only 12% of small equipment, like toys and microwaves, is recycled.
Photovoltaic panel waste is set to quadruple by 2030, from 0.6 billion kg to 2.4 billion kg due to the green transition.
Vaping e-waste is a major contributor. As per GESP’s statistics, over 42 million kg of e-cigarettes were disposed of in 2022 and contained hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries.
Recycling of rare earth elements is minimal (around 1%). The metals in 2022’s e-waste were worth USD 91 billion.
USD 28 billion was recovered through current recycling methods, preventing 93 billion kg of CO2 equivalent emissions.
The overall impact of e-waste management resulted in a net cost of around USD 37 billion, mainly due to health and environmental costs from hazardous substances and greenhouse gas emissions.
Although USD 28 billion was recovered from metals, this is overshadowed by external costs, which totaled USD 78 billion.
According to GESP, monitoring e-waste is important to track progress, set goals, and help reduce climate change and resource shortages.
Only 22.3% of e-waste in 2022 was formally collected and recycled.
E-waste generation is outpacing recycling by almost 5 times.
Europe leads in e-waste recycling, with 42.8% of e-waste recycled, while Africa has the lowest rate at less than 1%.
| Metal/Material | Total in E-waste (kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Metals in E-waste | 31 billion | 12 billion kg lost during recycling or non-compliant processes. |
| Iron/Steel (Fe) | 24 billion | Most used metal, significant recovery rates in e-waste. |
| Aluminum (Al) | 3.9 billion | Large quantity, extensively found in e-waste. |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.1 billion | Found in cables, printed circuit boards, compressors. |
| Precious Metals (Ag, Au, Pd) | 1.6 million | Precious metals include gold (Au), silver (Ag), and palladium (Pd). |
| Lead (Pb) | 70 million | Toxic metal. |
| Cobalt (Co) | 34 million | Critical metal, important for battery production. |
| Zinc (Zn) | 280 million | Lower recovery (approx. 4%) potential. |
| Neodymium (Nd) | 7.2 million | Mostly used in magnets, challenging to recover economically. |
| Yttrium (Y) | 1.8 million | Rare earth element, difficult to recover due to low economic viability. |
| Platinum Group Metals (Pt, Ir, Rh, etc.) | 140 thousand | High recycling potential for palladium in smelters (up to 95%). |
| Lithium (Li) | 6.1 thousand | Recycling technology exists but is not yet economically viable. |
Future Projections and Scenarios
The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 projects 82 billion kg of e-waste by 2030, with three scenarios for management:
- Business-as-Usual: If current trends continue, the documented formal collection and recycling rate will fall to 20% by 2030, down from 22.3% in 2022. This decline suggests that the world would fail to meet the ITU’s 30% target for 2023. E-waste management costs could reach USD 40 billion, largely due to USD 93 billion in externalized costs related to environmental damage from lead, mercury, and plastic emissions. Benefits from recovered materials are estimated at USD 42 billion, with another USD 26 billion from avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.
- Progressive: A 38% collection and recycling rate would result in net zero economic impact, only realized with high-income countries achieving 85% collection and others managing 10% of their e-waste by 2030.
- Aspirational: The global collection and recycling rate could rise to 60% by 2030, creating net benefits of over USD 38 billion. Other positive results would be lower externalized environmental costs, more efficient resource recovery, and positive contributions to reducing global warming.
The Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP), formed in 2017 and now managed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research – Sustainable Cycles Programme (UNITAR-SCYCLE) and The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), collects and analyzes data on electronic waste. Its main publication, the Global E-waste Monitor, is now in its fourth edition (current edition published in 2024), with previous editions released in 2014, 2017, and 2020.
Here’s a summary of the key facts from Global E-waste Monitor Report 2024 report:
- E-waste Production: In 2022, the world produced 62 billion kg of e-waste, averaging 7.8 kg per person.
- Recycling Rate: Only 22.3% of e-waste was recycled.
- Future Estimates: E-waste is projected to reach 82 billion kg by 2030.
- Growth Rate: E-waste production has increased by 2.3 billion kg per year since 2010.
- Material Composition: Contains 31 billion kg of metals and 17 billion kg of plastics; small items like toys make up 20 billion kg.
- Recycling Disparity: Europe recycles 42.8% of its e-waste; Africa is below 1%.
- Economic Impact: Metals in e-waste are valued at USD 91 billion, but only USD 28 billion is recovered through recycling, leading to a net cost of USD 37 billion due to environmental issues.
The Environmental Impact of E-Waste
The disposal of electronic waste poses significant environmental risks.
E-waste contains hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, which can seep into the soil, water, and air when not properly managed. Improper disposal methods, including landfilling and incineration, contribute to air and water pollution, soil contamination, and climate change.
According to a study, E-waste in landfills releases metals and toxic chemicals over time, polluting nearby ecosystems and harming wildlife and humans through food and water sources.
Polluted water near recycling sites often exceeds safe drinking thresholds.
Toxic dust from e-waste contains heavy metals such as zinc, copper, and chromium, several times the normal levels in recycling regions. These particles harm workers and local residents through inhalation and ingestion.
According to the GESP 2024 report, improper e-waste disposal releases 58,000 kg of mercury and 45 million kg of hazardous plastics yearly. Most e-waste ends up in landfills or is handled by the informal sector in low-income countries.
Environmental Impacts include major issues like soil, air, and water contamination. Harmful substances from e-waste leach into groundwater, affecting drinking water and irrigation.
Burning of e-waste releases toxic gases, leading to air pollution and the accumulation of harmful fly ash in surrounding areas.
E-waste contains toxic materials like heavy metals, radioactive materials, and harmful compounds that must be handled properly to avoid health and environmental risks.
Increased e-waste production is linked to population growth, urbanization, and modern technology. As populations grow and cities expand, the demand for electronics and appliances also increases
Proper recycling recovers valuable materials like rare metals. Managing e-waste is difficult due to safety risks, dangerous pollutants, and inadequate infrastructure.
Women and children face higher health risks due to hazardous working conditions in informal e-waste recycling.
E-Waste and Human Health
Unsafe recycling can release these harmful chemicals, causing several health hazards.
Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to e-waste toxins. Many children work in hazardous e-waste recycling, risking serious health issues like respiratory problems, neurodevelopmental harm, and birth defects.
E-waste releases harmful pollutants such as dioxins, mercury, and lead, especially when burned or processed unsafely. These substances endanger public health, particularly in regions lacking proper recycling facilities.
Millions of electronic devices become waste each year as they break or become outdated, posing risks to health and the environment if not properly disposed of.
Studies show e-waste recycling exposes people to toxic metals and chemicals, leading to serious health issues. Effects include respiratory problems, cancer, DNA damage, neurodevelopmental delays, and cardiovascular diseases.
Children living near e-waste sites are particularly vulnerable, with increased exposure leading to developmental issues, reduced lung capacity, and thyroid problems.
Contaminants also pass from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
E-waste workers face frequent health problems such as headaches, stress, respiratory issues, and reproductive disorders due to their unsafe work environment. The lack of safety regulations increases these risks.
The improper handling and disposal of e-waste also pose serious risks to human health. Exposure to toxic substances present in e-waste can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and even cancer. Moreover, the informal recycling sector, prevalent in many developing countries, exposes workers to hazardous conditions, further exacerbating health risks.
Informal waste workers in low- and middle-income countries face serious health risks from handling e-waste.
Mining for metals is harmful, causing air and water pollution, land damage, and loss of biodiversity.
To produce 1 gram of gold, about 3 metric tons of ore and waste rock are moved and processed.
International Efforts to Address E-Waste
As per the GESP, 81 countries have e-waste policies, but only 46 have collection targets.
5.1 billion kg of used electronic equipment (EEE) and e-waste are shipped annually between countries. 65% (3.3 billion kg) of these shipments are uncontrolled, mostly going from high-income to low- and middle-income countries.
Many illegal shipments are labeled as used EEE instead of e-waste to avoid regulations.
Europe, East Asia, and North America export most e-waste to regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. These countries often lack proper recycling infrastructure but provide better economic costs.
Uncontrolled e-waste management can harm human health and the environment, especially in countries with poor recycling systems.
Recognizing the urgent need to tackle the e-waste crisis, the international environmental movements have been vocal for change in approaches.
Overview of Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements Addressing E-Waste
Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), such as The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants are just a few examples of MEAs that address e-waste.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017, aims to reduce mercury emissions, to phase out certain mercury uses by 2025.
“The Minamata Convention draws attention to a global and ubiquitous metal that, while naturally occurring, has broad uses in everyday objects and is released to the atmosphere, soil and water from a variety of sources.”
Source: The Minamata Convention on Mercury
Adopted in 1987, The Montreal Protocol regulates substances that harm the ozone layer. The program has been a great success with ozone-depleting substances phased out in the majority of countries around the world.
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, into force since 1992, controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste, to ensure their environmentally sound management.
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, part of the Rotterdam Convention, mandates that exporting countries must notify importing countries before moving hazardous waste across borders. However, only less than 50% of countries report this data.
The 2022 Amendments to the Basel Convention, which will apply from 1 January 2025, are the new rules that require all types of e-waste, including non-hazardous, to follow the PIC process. This was proposed by Switzerland and Ghana to improve e-waste tracking and recovery.
In 2022, countries began using a specific Harmonized System (HS) code (HS 8549) to track e-waste movements, led by the World Customs Organization which represents 184 customs administrations around the world.
Proper e-waste management is crucial to protect the environment and public health. However, more concrete efforts and stronger international and national regulations are needed to protect communities, including banning child labor, improving e-waste management, and raising health awareness.
As of June 2023, 81 of 193 countries have e-waste policies or regulations. However, the quality and enforcement of these laws vary widely.
Many regulations lack specific targets for collection and recycling or do not cover all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). There is also a lack of focus on waste prevention, repair, and reuse in developing countries.
New methods in e-waste management include automated sorting, chemical recycling, upcycling, closed-loop recycling, community-based initiatives, the e-waste-to-energy concept, biotechnological approaches (using microbes to extract metals), and electronic waste collection kiosks. These innovations aim to reduce environmental harm from e-waste.
Proper e-waste recycling offers economic opportunities. Some valuable materials like gold and copper are highly profitable.
E-waste management laws and policies can lead to better health and environmental conditions, especially in poorer regions where unsafe disposal is common.
Efforts from both national and international organizations are necessary to regulate e-waste production and disposal. Such coordinated efforts mean a healthier environment and a better-equipped circular economy.
There’s a growing need to improve infrastructure. Also support repair, reuse, and smarter product designs.
Better management of informal recycling, especially in low-income countries, and focus on reducing e-waste generation in the first place.
According to GESP predictions, without action, there will be an increase in e-waste managed informally, with 24 billion kg expected to be handled outside formal systems. leading to environmental hazards like 46,000 kg of mercury emissions and 149 billion kg of CO2-eq. contributing to climate change.
Increasing collection rates would improve the recovery of metals, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions. This ultimately leads to positive economic and environmental impacts.
However, recycling and reuse of electrical and electronic products is unable to keep up with the rapid growth of e-waste. The real long-term solution lies in the prevention, reduction, and elimination approach of toxic materials from these products. This may be achieved with green design and eco-friendly approaches.
Environmentally Sustainable Waste Management Strategies
The environmentally sustainable approach to tackling the issue of solid waste, including e-waste, is to first reduce it, then reuse or recycle it. Finally, safely dispose of it in an environmentally sound manner.
There is no single solution but integrated waste management and waste reduction are top priorities.
The integrated waste management strategy has 3 main components;
- Source Reduction
- Recycling
- Disposal
Industries need to use sustainable product design. They can carry out waste minimization by adopting;
- inventory management
- production-process modification
- volume reduction
- and recovery and reuse
Sustainable product design involves adopting eco-design principles, such as rethinking the product design, using recyclable and non-toxic materials, designing for durability and repairability, minimizing energy consumption, use of renewable materials, using safer non-renewable materials, and less toxic materials or materials that can be easily disposed of.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs
One way to tackle the e-waste problem is by using Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs.
These programs shift the responsibility for collecting, recycling, and safely disposing of electronic products from consumers to manufacturers.
By making companies responsible for their products throughout the entire lifecycle, EPR encourages the creation of more sustainable and recyclable devices.
Some countries already have successful EPR programs, which have helped boost recycling rates and lower environmental and economic costs.
Raising consumer awareness is also important, so people make more eco-friendly choices when buying electronics.
Conclusion
E-waste is a major global environmental crisis.
In 2022, the world generated 62 billion kg of e-waste. Only 22.3% was properly recycled.
Toxic chemicals like mercury, lead, and cadmium from this waste contaminate air, water, and soil. This has severe health and adverse environmental consequences. Developing countries face higher risks because of unsafe recycling practices.
According to GESP’s projections, by 2030, global e-waste is expected to reach 82 billion kg annually.
Improving recycling, reusing, and waste-minimization strategies, along with green product design and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, while raising consumer awareness, can significantly reduce e-waste.
