U.N. agencies have issued a warning regarding the increasing amount of electronic waste, or "e-waste," being generated worldwide. The report, released by the U.N.'s International Telecommunications Union and research arm UNITAR, revealed that a staggering 62 million tons of e-waste was produced in 2022, with projections indicating that this number could reach 82 million tons by 2030. The report highlighted that only 22% of this e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022, a number expected to drop to 20% by the end of the decade.
Metals such as copper, gold, and iron made up half of the 62 million tons of e-waste generated in 2022, with a total value of around $91 billion. Plastics accounted for 17 million tons, while the remaining 14 million tons included substances like composite materials and glass. The report also emphasized the hazardous elements present in discarded electronic devices, such as mercury and rare Earth metals coveted by tech industry manufacturers.
The issue of e-waste is particularly acute in developing countries like Kenya, where scavengers at the Dandora dumpsite risk their health to collect e-waste that can be sold for recycling. Despite the health risks involved, individuals like Steve Okoth rely on this activity as a means of earning income. Okoth highlighted the dangers of working with e-waste, noting that the materials released during the recycling process can cause health issues.
In response to the growing e-waste problem, recycling plants like Nairobi's WEEE center have established collection points across Kenya where people can safely dispose of old electronic equipment. Catherine Wasolia, WEEE's chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of properly managing e-waste by wiping clean and testing each device to determine if it can be reused or repurposed.
E-waste expert George Masila raised concerns about the impact of electronic waste on the environment, particularly on soil contamination. He stressed the importance of greater recycling and re-use of e-waste materials to mitigate these effects. The report authors also called for support and training for individuals in developing countries who rely on harvesting e-waste for their livelihoods, in order to make this work safer.
Overall, the report underscored the urgent need for sound regulations and improved e-waste management infrastructure to address the growing global challenge posed by electronic waste. As the consumption of electronic devices continues to rise, it is imperative that measures are taken to boost collection and recycling efforts to safeguard both human health and the environment.
