New Report Focuses on the Significance of Responsible E-Waste Recycling

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The recently published report by WEE Ireland- the not-for-profit organization highlights the significance of responsible e-waste recycling efforts to tackle the mounting e-waste across the globe.

The report cites that more than seven billion smartphones were produced since 2017. Assuming that the average usage of smartphones is approximately two years, most of these are about to become obsolete in the near-term.

As per estimates, nearly 50 billion devices will be connected using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These devices, ranging from smart home devices to commercial sensors, are sure to become obsolete one day, thereby adding to worldwide e-waste pile. The arrival of 5G and 6G technologies will further accelerate the volume of discarded e-waste, as many mobile phones of today are likely to be incompatible with new technologies. The constantly changing technologies are likely to render many devices obsolete.

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Studies indicate that nearly 50% of the nearly 50 million tonnes of e-waste generated across the globe in 2018 accounted for personal tech devices. Only 20% of this e-waste got recycled, whereas the remaining 80% were dumped in landfills, incinerated or illegally exported to other countries.

The manufacture of new devices and irresponsible management of discarded electronic devices causes significant environmental impacts. The responsible recycling of electronic waste will result in long-term change and benefits for the environment.