There's so much electronic waste in the world it could span the equator - and it's still growing
Significant rise in global electronic waste production prompts urgent action call from the United Nations.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
A recent United Nations report highlights the significant and concerning rise in electronic waste production globally. E-waste is accumulating at a rate five times faster than it’s being recycled, with more than 136.6 billion pounds generated in 2022 alone. Only around 22% of this waste was properly collected and recycled. The report predicts an annual increase of 5.7 billion pounds of e-waste. Toxic substances in e-waste pose risks to both health and the environment. Illegal and uncontrolled movements of e-waste are common, with over 1.1 billion pounds transported between countries each year. The U.N. stresses the need for increased e-waste policies and regulations. The report underlines the necessity of urgent action to manage this issue effectively before e-waste generation rises further and recycling rates decline.
- Tags:
- United Nations