GLOBAL – The UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) reveals that global electronic waste generation is growing five times faster than documented e-waste recycling efforts.
According to a report by ITU and UNITAR, in 2022, the world produced 62 million tonnes of e-waste, enough to fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks and form a bumper-to-bumper line around the equator.
Despite this massive volume, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022, leaving approximately US$62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for and significantly increasing pollution risks worldwide.
E-waste, which includes any discarded product with a plug or battery, contains toxic substances such as mercury, posing significant health and environmental hazards.
The report warns that e-waste generation is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually and could reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, a 33% increase from 2022.
It also predicts a drop in recycling rates, from 22.3% in 2022 to just 20% by 2030, as the gap between waste generation and recycling widens.
Rapid technological progress, higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure contribute to this growing disparity.
The report stresses that increasing global e-waste recycling rates to 60% by 2030 could result in benefits exceeding US$38 billion in value, including reduced health risks.
However, it notes that the world relies heavily on a few countries for rare earth elements, which are crucial for technologies like renewable energy and e-mobility.
Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR, highlighted the urgency, stating that while electronic advancements are crucial for combating climate change, the surge in e-waste requires immediate action.
“An enormous amount of e-waste is generated worldwide, and with less than half of countries enforcing proper management approaches, sound regulations are critical to boosting collection and recycling,” reiterated Seth.
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, emphasized that the GEM provides essential data to track e-waste progress and inform decisions about transitioning to a circular economy for electronics.
Lead author Kees Baldé called for more investment in infrastructure, promotion of repair and reuse, and efforts to stop illegal e-waste shipments.
“Business as usual can’t continue,” he warned, stressing the need for immediate action.
Ruediger Kuehr of UNITAR’s Sustainable Cycles Programme noted that better e-waste management could bring a global net positive of US$38 billion, creating significant economic opportunities while addressing climate and health challenges.
Vanessa Gray of the ITU added that insufficient e-waste recycling is wasting US$91 billion in valuable metals, underscoring the need to seize the economic and environmental benefits of proper e-waste management. “Without this, the digital ambitions of future generations are at risk.”
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