The surge in electronic waste (e-waste) presents a significant global challenge. The Global Transboundary E-waste Flows Monitor 2022 revealed that a staggering 5.1 billion kilograms of e-waste is transported across borders, with approximately 65% (3.3 billion kilograms) moving without proper documentation or control. The majority of e-waste is handled outside of formal collection and recycling systems. Due to this non-compliant management, approximately 58,000 kilograms of mercury and 45 million kilograms of plastics containing brominated flame retardants are released into the environment annually.
Looking ahead, The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 predicts an alarming trend. It is estimated that by 2030, 82 billion kilograms of e-waste will be generated. This projection is based on three scenarios: “business as usual,” “progressive,” and “aspirational,” each offering different outlooks depending on current and future e-waste management practices.
In the “business as usual” scenario, formal e-waste collection and recycling rates are projected to decline to a mere 20% by 2030, falling short of targets set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This stagnation implies economic losses, estimated at $40 billion in 2030, and substantial environmental and health costs totaling $93 billion. These costs stem from mishandling hazardous substances and contribute to global warming and plastic pollution.
In contrast, the "progressive" and "aspirational" scenarios offer hope. A progressive approach could increase collection and recycling rates to 38% by 2030, balancing costs and benefits. This relies on significant improvements in high-income countries and concerted efforts in low- and middle-income countries to manage e-waste sustainably. The "aspirational" scenario sets an ambitious goal of achieving a 60% global collection and recycling rate by 2030, promising to diminish environmental and health costs and potentially yielding an economic benefit exceeding $38 billion.
Between 2019 and 2023, the growth rate of countries implementing e-waste policies, legislation, or regulation has slowed down, with only a slight increase from 78 to 81 countries adopting such measures. Out of these, 67 countries have legal provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste management. Countries with EPR tend to have better e-waste management infrastructure and financing mechanisms. However, global enforcement of e-waste policies and regulations remains a challenge, with stagnation in recycling rate targets.
Additionally, only 46 countries have set collection rate targets, and even fewer, 36 countries, have recycling rate targets. Overall awareness about e-waste remains low, leading to limited appropriate disposal options. There's a significant gap between awareness and actual implementation, particularly in high-income countries. Although there's momentum in promoting the repair and refurbishment of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to extend their lifespan, environmentally sound recycling practices face limitations due to low collection rates and inadequate recycling infrastructure worldwide.
Bridging the gap between formal and informal e-waste sectors, promoting source separation, and fostering national and international cooperation are crucial. Innovations in product design, repair, and refurbishment can extend the lifespan of electronic equipment, reducing e-waste generation.
