We're Generating 45 Million Tons Of E-Waste Each Year, And Only Recycle 20 Percent Of It

With how often we now see new smartphone and laptops launching, it¡¯s only normal that people with the means would want to upgrade to something better. Unfortunately, that¡¯s also kind of wrecking the environment.

Whenever we get a new device, we either keep the old one as a backup, sell it off, or even pop it in the trash. Whatever happens, all of these electronics will eventually die and we¡¯ll have to get rid of them. And we¡¯re just not properly equipped to deal with the electronic waste.

All of this e-waste collects in landfills, meaning the energy and materials used to build them are also trashed. In addition to being an unsustainable disposal system, this also means that we¡¯re putting a lot of hazardous metals and chemicals in the ground, where people may become exposed to them.

That¡¯s why e-waste recycling is so important, to not only reuse those precious materials, but also to help cut back on the pollution this practice causes. Unfortunately, there just aren¡¯t enough projects recycling electronic waste, and that¡¯s taking a toll.

According to a new report from the United Nations¡¯ International Telecommunication Union, an estimated nearly 45 million tons of electronics were thrown away in 2016. That¡¯s about the same weight as 4,500 Eiffel Towers.Of that, only about 20 percent was actually recycled. The report indicates that just the raw materials in that 45 million tons alone is valued at about $55 billion, $9 billion of which came from smartphones alone. Yet, no one wants to spend any money to recover it.

Of course, some places are producing, and recycling, more waste than others. For instance, China generates 7.2 million tons (16 percent), the highest e-waste quantity both in Asia and in the world. Japan generated 2.1 Million tons in 2016 and 2 Million tons came from India. Meanwhile Europe and Russia generated 28 percent of the world¡¯s e-waste combined, but recycled 35 percent of that, which is higher than the international average.On the other hand the US produced 14 percent of the world¡¯s e-waste and recycled only a quarter of that

Of course, the amount of e-waste we¡¯re creating has gone up over the past decade. Much fewer people were online in 2007, maybe only about 20 percent of the entire world. Now, at least half of everyone on Earth is connected to the Internet. And for that to happen, there will be even more e-waste generated in future. In addition, aside from smartphones having very short lifespans and therefore hitting the trash faster, there¡¯s another hiccup. When that happens, we tend to send the smartphone¡¯s charger along for the ride, which alone make up a million tons of the total amount.

Thankfully, the UN notes that six more countries have established e-waste rules since 2014, including India. That means two thirds of the world now has laws regarding dealing with the problem. It¡¯s not ideal, but at least it¡¯s one baby step.