The world's generation of electronic waste is increasing at a rate five times faster than documented e-waste recycling efforts.
This disparity between the growth of e-waste and recycling poses significant environmental and health challenges. Proper management of electronic waste is crucial to mitigate the harmful effects of toxic materials on ecosystems and human health. Therefore, effective strategies for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal are imperative to address this pressing global issue.
The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 report presents key highlights that shed light on the growing challenges and trends related to electronic waste (e-waste) management globally:
E-waste Generation Trends
- Global e-waste generation has significantly increased from 34 billion kg in 2010 to 62 billion kg in 2022, projected to reach 82 billion kg by 2030.
- Of the 62 billion kg generated, only 13.8 billion kg is documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
- E-waste consists of various materials, including 31 billion kg of metals, 17 billion kg of plastics, and 14 billion kg of other materials such as minerals and glass.
Drivers of E-waste Generation
Factors driving the rise in e-waste include technological advancements, increased consumption rates, limited repair options, short product life cycles, growing electrification, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure.
Informal Recycling Sector
A significant portion of e-waste is handled by the informal sector due to inadequate formal e-waste management infrastructure, both in high- and upper-middle-income countries as well as low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Environmental and Health Impacts
Improper management of e-waste, including informal recycling practices, leads to the release of hazardous substances such as mercury and plastics containing brominated flame retardants into the environment, posing severe impacts on both the environment and public health.
Regional Disparities
- Europe demonstrates the highest rate of documented formal collection and recycling of e-waste (42.8%), while Africa struggles with low recycling rates (<1%) despite generating lower amounts of e-waste.
- Asia generates a significant portion of global e-waste but lags in e-waste management efforts.
Per Capita E-waste Generation and Recycling Rates
- Europe, Oceania, and the Americas have the highest per capita e-waste generation rates and documented collection and recycling rates due to advanced infrastructure.
- Recycling rates vary depending on equipment types, with heavier and bulkier equipment having higher collection and recycling rates compared to smaller devices.
Policy Adoption
- A significant number of countries have adopted e-waste policies, legislation, or regulations, with provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), e-waste collection rate targets, and e-waste recycling rate targets.
- These highlights underscore the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to address the growing challenges posed by e-waste generation and management.
