Top 7 E-waste producing countries in the world

On an individual level, the USA is one of the highest producers in the world, with the average American generating about 47 pounds (over 21 kilograms) of e-waste annually.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Electronic waste is referred to as e-waste, which is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide. It consists of electronic equipment, which includes a wide variety of electronic products used in everyday life. Let's have a look at the top 7 e-waste producing countries in the world.

7. Indonesia

Data from the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 shows that Indonesia generated approximately 1.9 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. Data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry indicates that only 17.4 per cent of Indonesia's e-waste was properly managed in 2022.

6. Russia

As of 2021, Russia was the sixth-largest producer of e-waste in the world, generating 1.63 million metric tonnes. The Regional E-waste Monitor for CIS+Georgia (2021) stated that Russia was the largest generator of e-waste in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Georgia region in both absolute terms and on a per-inhabitant basis.

5. Brazil

Brazil is considered the fifth-largest producer of electronic waste globally, generating over two million tons annually. While it is a major producer, the country recycles a very small percentage of this waste, with a formal system for e-waste reverse logistics in place to handle collection and disposal.

4. Japan

Japan is a major consumer of electronics, which directly contributes to its high volume of e-waste, accounting for around 3 million metric tons annually. While the country has advanced recycling systems, its high per-capita electronics consumption and rapid technological turnover are key factors driving its e-waste generation.

3. India

With production of approximately 4 million metric tons of e-waste, India holds the third spot due to its rapidly growing e-waste generation. However, the recycling rates of India are very low, as much of it depends on the informal sector. Meanwhile, enforcement of e-waste management rules is still catching up.

2. USA

Statista report also confirmed that the United States hold the second spot and produces around seven million metric tons of e-waste globally. On an individual level, the USA is one of the highest producers in the world, with the average American generating about 47 pounds (over 21 kilograms) of e-waste annually.

1. China

China is the world's largest electronic waste producer, generating over 12 million metric tons in 2022, according to a report by Statistics. China holds the top spot due to being a major manufacturer and consumer of electronics, rapid economic growth leading to faster product obsolescence, and historically being a major destination for illegal e-waste imports from other countries.

 Courtesy: www.wionews.com