New Report Spotlights Threats of UK's Rapidly Rising ‘E-Waste Mountain’

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new report published by the Green Alliance warns UK of the rising e-waste mountain in the country. The country is the second largest generator of electronic waste per person in the world.

According to the report, the primary contributor of rising e-waste problem in the country is the short-lived electronic devices and electronic appliances. The short-lived devices are a bigger problem in the UK, compared to other countries of the world.

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The report cites that people of the country are highly frustrated by the short life of their electronic products. Around two-thirds of the people expressed their frustration, saying that phones normally last just two or three years. Nearly 75% of the population urged the government to ensure that electronic products in the market last for not less than 5 years.

The short-lived devices cause huge environmental impacts. As per estimates, phone manufacturing process leads to emission of nearly 60 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Extending the life time of electronic products could lead to significant carbon savings every year, the report said.

The report recommends increased funding and sufficient staffing to monitor and enforce regulations, naming and shaming producers that violate standards, better communication and engagement with producers and online marketplaces and imposition of heavy fines for repeatedly non-compliant companies.