How much does the world throw out of electronic waste?

How much does the world throw out of electronic waste?

Global electronic waste generation reached a record high of 53.6 million metric tons in 2019. This was an increase of 21 percent in just five years and worked out at approximately 7.3 kilograms of e-waste per capita.

How e-waste is handled globally?

Take-back systems, special collection points for e-waste stream, ad-hoc e-waste collection campaigns, recycling centers, industrial technology may divert the e-waste disposal from landfills in developed and transitional countries and the e-waste collection performed by informal sector in case of developing countries.

What percentage of e-waste is sent to other countries?

It found that 32% of those items were exported, most of which likely done illegally. The trackers also discovered that e-waste recyclers exported an even higher amount at 39%.

What percentage of the total e-waste is recycled globally?

This report shows that the global growth in the generation of e-waste continues. In 2019, the world generated 53.6 million metric tons (Mt), and only 17.4% of this was officially documented as properly collected and recycled.

How much e-waste was dumped globally in 2019?

Record 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste dumped globally last year, says UN report | CBC News.

Why is e-waste a problem in the UK?

Why is e-waste a problem? The UK is currently one of the largest producers of household e-waste in the world. When broken or unwanted electronics are dumped in landfill, toxic substances like lead and mercury can leach into soil and water.

Is a microwave considered e-waste?

Electronic, or “e-waste,” includes items such as old computers and their monitors, TVs, computers, microwave ovens and other electronic equipment.

Which is the largest e-waste site on Earth?

Agbogbloshie
The slum of Agbogbloshie is the world’s largest e-waste dump. While pollution in land, air, waters and bodies has reached dramatic levels, the work of thousands of informal recyclers in dismantling and repairing electronics remains largely unacknowledged.

How much e-waste do we create each year?

Check out the disturbing electronic waste facts here and get an idea of the devastating effects of e-waste. E-waste is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. We generate about 50 million tons of it every year. This is equivalent to throwing out 1000 laptops every single second.

What is e-waste and why is it bad?

E-waste is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. We generate about 50 million tons of it every year. This is equivalent to throwing out 1000 laptops every single second. In some places the amount of e-waste increases with 500 % in the years to come.

Is e-waste the biggest environmental challenge facing us in 2019?

If ocean plastic pollution was one of the major environmental challenges we finally woke up to in 2018, the ebb and flow of public opinion could and should turn to electronic waste in 2019. The numbers are astounding; 50 million tonnes of e-waste are produced each year, and left unchecked this could more than double to 120 million tonnes by 2050.

What are some interesting facts about electronic waste?

Here are some electronic waste facts that you will find interesting and alarming: We generate around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year, worldwide. That’s like throwing 800 laptops every second. An average cellphone user replaces their unit once every 18 months.