According to recent reports from U.N. agencies, there is a growing global issue of electronic waste piling up, as recycling rates continue to decline and are expected to drop further.

The organizations were discussing “e-waste,” which refers to any devices that are no longer in use and require a plug or battery, such as cell phones, electronic toys, televisions, microwaves, e-cigarettes, laptops, and solar panels. This category does not include waste from electronic vehicles, which have their own distinct category.

On Wednesday, the United Nations’ International Telecommunications Union and UNITAR released a report stating that approximately 62 million tons of electronic waste, or “e-waste,” was produced in 2022. This amount is equivalent to filling a line of tractor-trailers bumper to bumper around the world. If this trend continues, it is projected to reach 82 million tons by the year 2030.

The report stated that metals, such as copper, gold, and iron, accounted for 50% of the 62 million tons, valued at approximately $91 billion. Plastics were responsible for 17 million tons, while the remaining 14 million tons consisted of composite materials and glass.

The United Nations reports that only 22% of e-waste was correctly gathered and processed in 2022. This number is projected to decrease to 20% in the following decade, largely due to the rapid rise in e-waste caused by increased consumption, limited repair options, shorter product lifespans, the increasing prevalence of technology in society, and inadequate infrastructure for managing e-waste.

It was reported that certain thrown away electronic devices contained harmful components like mercury, as well as valuable rare Earth metals used by tech companies. Currently, recycling only meets 1% of the demand for the 17 minerals that comprise these rare metals.

The report states that approximately 50% of e-waste comes from Asia, where there are limited laws and collection goals in place. On the other hand, Europe has a recycling and collection rate of over 40%, with the highest per-capita waste production at nearly 18 kilograms (39 pounds).

According to a report, Africa, which produces the lowest amount among all five major global regions, has a recycling and collection rate that is approximately 1%.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the leader of the ITU telecommunication development bureau, stated that the most recent studies indicate a growing global issue with e-waste. This is concerning as less than half of the world is effectively addressing the problem through regulation and management strategies. It is imperative for proper regulations to be implemented in order to improve the collection and recycling efforts.

Some see e-waste as an opportunity to make money by searching through garbage in developing countries to find valuable materials, even though it can pose health dangers.

Scavengers at the Dandora landfill, where refuse from Nairobi, Kenya is deposited despite being declared full by a court many years ago, rely on picking through trash for valuable e-waste that can be sold to companies for recycling as a means of making a living.

Steve Okoth is optimistic about maintaining a steady stream of income, yet he is aware of the potential risks involved.

“He mentioned that the arrival of e-waste brings along a harmful powder that harms his well-being. He also expressed that the heating up of electronic devices releases gases that aggravate his chest problems, making it difficult for him to come to work.”

Nonetheless, Okoth stated that they lack alternative solutions. He explained, “We have grown accustomed to the smoke, for if we do not go to work, we will not have sustenance.”

The WEEE center in Nairobi, and other recycling facilities, have designated drop-off locations throughout Kenya for the safe disposal of old electronic equipment.

“We inspect the items,” stated Catherine Wasolia, COO of WEEE, to verify any data on the devices that were submitted and erase it completely. After that, they examine each one to determine if it is suitable for reuse or repurposing.”

George Masila, an expert in e-waste, expresses concerns over the consequences of electronic waste on soil.

According to Masila, the accumulation of electronic waste in landfills or scattered indiscriminately elsewhere can significantly impact the quality of the soil. Each year, rainfall and the resulting runoff can carry these toxic components into the environment, leading to water contamination.

According to him, we should be considering increasing recycling and reusing of these materials as important actions to take.

Authors of the report acknowledged that individuals in developing countries often use e-waste as a means to pay bills and proposed that they receive proper training and resources to ensure the safety of their work.

Ruediger Kuehr, senior manager of UNITAR’s program for sustainable cycles, emphasized the importance of aiding those searching for their place.

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Reported from Geneva was Keaten.

Source: wral.com