Globally, the annual production of e-waste is increasing by 2.6 million tons per year, with the prospect of reaching 82 million tons by 2030.
A record of 62 million tons noted the e-waste produced in 2022, according to a United Nations report. This number is up 82% from 2010, and a further 32% increase is expected in 2030.
Globally, the annual production of e-waste is increasing by 2.6 million tons per year, with a perspective to reach 82 million tons by 2030. Of the 62 million tonnes produced in 2022, 33% (20.4 million tonnes) were small appliances, of which just 12% was recycled. About 4.6 million tonnes were small IT and telecommunications equipment with a documented collection and recycling rate of just 22%.
Overall, the world’s e-waste generation growing five times faster than their recycling, as revealed by the UN’s fourth Global E-Waste Monitor. Notably, less than a quarter of the year’s 62 million tons of e-waste was recorded as being properly recycled, leaving US$62 billion worth of natural resources untapped and increasing pollution risks for communities worldwide. This figure is 42.8% in Europe, but less than 1% in African countries.
E-waste, i.e. any discarded product with a cable or battery, is a health and environmental hazard as it contains toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury which can damage the human brain.
The report predicts a fall in the documented collection and recycling rate from 22.3% in 2022 to 20% by 2030due to the widening gap in recycling efforts in relation to the huge increase in e-waste production worldwide.
Source: Skai
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.