Shigeaki Takai’s Post

As someone who works in e-waste recycling, I am deeply concerned by this recent article. It highlights that e-waste is growing at an alarming rate – five times faster than official recycling rates, globally! This is a huge #environmental and #health concern, especially in #Asia, which is a major source of e-waste generated – accounting for nearly half of the global e-waste generated in 2022 – yet has a low recycling rate! Why is this so concerning? E-waste contains heavy metals used in #electronics such cadmium, lead, chromium and mercury. Adding on, there are toxic chemicals in plastic components. These can cause serious #environmental damage when #incinerated (in local context), and #landfilled (in other countries). As reported in this article, there are large amounts of e-waste are handled informally around the world. This can prove toxic for the workers who handle the materials, and may #pollute the #environment, when there is no accountability in the trace of collection and processes. Only environmentally sound e-waste #management systems can prevent this damage and help recover valuable materials and precious resources while avoiding harmful emissions. Here in Singapore, we generate a significant amount of e-waste – an estimated 60,000 tons yearly! Personally, I feel this number will not be going down. And there is a significant gap between generation and responsible #disposal. In 2023, only more than 16,000 tonnes of #regulated consumer e-waste have been collected under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme since its inception. So, what can we do? Here are a few ideas: Individuals: We can educate. We can all do our part by being more mindful of our e-waste. Do you really need to buy new #devices or household #products every year? Can you extend the lifespan of your #electronic or #electrical products by #repairing them instead of #replacing them? #Donate them if they are still in good conditions! If the first 2 Rs are not possible, then recycle responsibly through a certified e-waste collector. Businesses: #Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their e-waste is disposed of properly. There are a number of e-waste management companies in Singapore that can help businesses with this. **You can contact me for more information. I serve METech Recycling Asia and Virogreen (Singapore) Pte Ltd , who can provide a spectrum of service in e-waste management to your businesses. By working together, we can make a difference. Let's make Singapore a leader in responsible e-waste management! #ewaste #Singapore #recycling #sustainability

The world generated 62 BILLION KG (or 7.8 KG PER CAPITA) of E-WASTE in 2022, ⬆82% compared to 2010, according to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor released March 20th, 2024. 82 BILLION KG is expected to be generated in 2030, ⬆32% from 2022. https://lnkd.in/gQzeGaEp It also reported that: 💡ONLY 22.3% (13.8 billion kg) of the e-waste generated in 2022 was documented as PROPERLY COLLECTED AND RECYCLED. 💡E-waste generation is growing 5X FASTER than rates of RECYCLING. E-waste (or electronic waste), refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. EEE includes a wide range of products – almost any household or business item with circuitry or electrical components with power or battery supply. E-waste differs from plastic and other types of pollution because it uniquely CONTAINS both HAZARDOUS and VALUABLE materials that enabled the EEE items to work, plus the fact that this category of waste, is GROWING FASTER than any other. Most e-waste ends up in LANDFILLS or part of INFORMAL RECYCLING SYSTEMS where the RISKS OF POLLUTION and HARMFUL HEALTH IMPACTS are high. Jim Puckett, founder and executive director of the Basel Action Network, an e-waste watchdog group, told CNN the results reveal that manufacturers are showing “a lack of duty of care” by failing to take accountability for what happens to their products at their end of life. “Manufacturers have to be dragged, kicking and screaming,” to make products that last, he said, “and not just design products for the dump, hoping they can sell us a new one as soon as possible.” Manufacturers need clear plans for the removal, collection and recycling of the toxic and hazardous parts of their products, Puckett added. Do you agree? Could our obsession with electronics and the overarching problem with our society's disposable culture be contributing factors? What can we, as a society in each country, do about e-waste? It is an opportunity for #innovators , #entrepreneurs , #startups , and #smallbusiness in every local community, to develop validated business models for URGENT SOLUTIONS TO UNSUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOUR aimed at overcoming the great human HEALTH and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION challenges ahead.   WinSolutions | Winning Impact supports and invests in startups and SMEs with viable disruptive innovations in #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #healthcare and #renewableenergy spaces.

E Waste E-waste outstrips recycling UN reports global problem hit 62M tons in ’22 with pollution set to pile up even more by ’30 As storks sit on a church, a man scavenges for recyclables Wednesday at Dandora, the largest dump in Nairobi, Kenya. Brian Inganga/ap  By Moses Ndungu and Jamey Keaten Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya — U.N. agencies have warned that waste from electronics is piling up worldwide while recycling rates remain low and are likely to fall even further. The agencies were referring to e-waste, which is defined as discarded devices with a plug or battery, including cellphones, electronic toys, TVs, microwave ovens, e-cigarettes, laptop computers and solar panels. It does not include waste from electronic vehicles, which fall into a separate category. In a report released this week, the U.N.’s International Telecommunications Union and research arm UNITAR said some 62 million tons of e-waste was generated in 2022, enough to fill tractor-trailers that could be lined up bumper to bumper around the globe. It’s on track to reach 82 million tons by 2030. Metals — including copper, gold and iron — made up half of the 62 million tons, worth a total of some $91 billion, the report said. Plastics accounted for 17 million tons and the remaining 14 million tons include substances like composite materials and glass. The U.N. says 22% of the e-waste mass was properly collected and recycled in 2022. It is expected to fall to 20% by the end of the decade because of “staggering growth” of such waste due to higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, growing “electronification” of society, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure, the agencies said. They said some of the discarded electronic devices contained hazardous elements like mercury, as well as rare Earth metals coveted by tech industry manufacturers. Currently, only 1% of the demand for the 17 minerals that make up the rare metals is met through recycling. About half of all e-waste is generated in Asia, where few countries have laws on e-waste or collection targets, according to the report. Recycling and collection rates top 40% in Europe, where per-capita waste generation is highest: nearly39 pounds. In Africa, which generates the least of any of the five big global regions, recycling and collection rates hover near 1%, it said. “The latest research shows that the global challenge posed by e-waste is only going to grow,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, head of the ITU telecommunication development bureau. “With less than half of the world implementing and enforcing approaches to manage the problem, this raises the alarm for sound regulations to boost collection and recycling.” For some, e-waste represents a way to earn cash by rummaging through trash in the developing world to find coveted commodities, despite the health risks.

♻️ _The Impact of E-Waste: Why Recycling Matters_ 🌎 📱👀 The rapid pace of technological advancements has led to an unprecedented growth in electronic waste (e-waste). 📈 _Why E-Waste Recycling Matters:_ 🤔 1️⃣ _Toxic Chemicals:_ 🚮 E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil, water, and air if not disposed of properly. 🌪️ 2️⃣ _Conservation of Resources:_ ♻️ Recycling e-waste helps recover valuable materials like copper, gold, and silver, reducing the need for mining and conserving natural resources. 💎 3️⃣ _Climate Change:_ 🌡️ E-waste recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the energy required to produce new products. 🌟 4️⃣ _Data Security:_ 🔒 Recycling e-waste ensures the secure destruction of sensitive data, protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats. 📊 5️⃣ _Job Creation:_ 👥 The e-waste recycling industry generates employment opportunities in collection, sorting, and processing. 📈 _Consequences of Not Recycling E-Waste:_ 🚫 1️⃣ _Environmental Pollution:_ 🌪️ Improper disposal of e-waste leads to soil, water, and air pollution, harming ecosystems and human health. 🤢 2️⃣ _Health Risks:_ 🏥 Exposure to toxic chemicals in e-waste can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health issues. 🚑 3️⃣ _Waste Management:_ 🚮 Inadequate e-waste recycling leads to overflowing landfills and incinerators, contributing to climate change. 🌡️ _Take Action:_ 🎯 1️⃣ _Responsible Consumption:_ 🛍️ Buy sustainable electronics, and avoid unnecessary upgrades. 📉 2️⃣ _Proper Disposal:_ ♻️ Recycle e-waste through authorized facilities or participate in community collection programs. 📦 3️⃣ _Support Recycling Initiatives:_ 📢 Encourage manufacturers to design eco-friendly products and support e-waste recycling policies. 📣 Remember, recycling e-waste is not just a responsibility, but a necessity for a healthier planet! 🌎💚 tags:- 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion) ,Ruchi Khanna Arora ,Shivam Agrawal ,Deepika Venkatesh #MinistryOfEducation #AllIndiaCouncilforTechnicalEducation(AICTE) #OPPOINDIA #1M1B #InternshipOpportunity #GenerationGreen #Sustainability #GreenChampion #CleanerIndia #HealthierIndia #YouthEmpowerment #Ecowarrior #EnvironmentalConservation #EnvironmentalPledge #EcoFriendly #SustainableFuture #GreenEconomy #RenewableEnergy #EnvironmentalAwareness #ClimateAction #GENG #GreenSkills #EwasteManagement #EnvironmentalResponsibility #Ewaste #RecyclingEwaste #ProtectNature #NatureInspiration #NatureConservation #NatureLovers #ZeroWaste #Enviroment #SwachhBharatMission #MakeADifference #RecycleRight #YouthforChange #GenGPledge #IamGenerationGreen #EnvironmentalStewardship

Celebrating International E-Waste Day – Retrieve, Recycle, Revive! Today, October 14th, marks International E-Waste Day (IEWD), a global initiative that began in 2018 by the WEEE Forum This year’s theme, “Retrieve, Recycle, Revive”, emphasizes the importance of recovering valuable materials from e-waste, boosting recycling efforts, and giving new life to old electronics. With e-waste volumes growing at an alarming rate, IEWD calls on everyone to be more mindful of their electronics’ lifecycle and consider the impact improper disposal has on the environment. What is E-Waste? E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) includes discarded electronics with plugs and batteries, such as phones, laptops, and home appliances. When e-waste is improperly disposed of, toxic substances are released, contaminating the environment. However, recycling e-waste can help retrieve valuable metals such as copper and gold, reducing the need for further mining and environmental damage. E-Waste in Nigeria and Africa The E-waste crisis in Africa, particularly Nigeria, is significant. 80% of the WEEE meant for recycling in developed countries is shipped to developed countries. Nigeria generated approximately 461.3 thousand metric tons of e-waste in 2021 alone. Across the continent, only 4% of the 2.9 million metric tons of e-waste is properly collected and recycled. Improper disposal allows harmful chemicals like lead and mercury to seep into the environment, affecting public health and ecosystems. How Can We Reduce E-Waste? Reducing e-waste begins with changes in how we use and dispose of electronics: a.     Repair and Reuse: Fix broken electronics instead of immediately replacing them. b.     Donate: Pass on electronics that still work to those who need them. c.     Recycle: Take e-waste to certified recycling centers to ensure safe disposal. d.    Smart Consumption: Purchase long-lasting devices to minimize frequent replacements.  E-Waste Recycling Centers in Nigeria  A couple of recycling centers are addressing the growing e-waste problem in Nigeria: a.          The Ecobarter Company: Engages in collecting and recycling e-waste, promoting sustainable practices. b.          E-Terra Technologies Limited: A leading recycler of hazardous e-waste in Lagos. c.           Hinckley Recycling Adrian C.: Focuses on environmentally safe recycling. d.          Lagos State Waste Management Authority: Provides e-waste disposal services across Lagos. On this International E-Waste Day, let’s embrace the 3R approach — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and commit to Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive electronics responsibly. Join the movement for a greener, cleaner planet! #ewaste #retrieverecyclerevive #circulareconomy #environmentalprotection #reusereducerecycle #electronicwaste #3r #sustainablefuture #responsiblerecycling #cleanerplanet #ewasteday #internationalewasteday #ewasteday2024 #internationalewasteday2024

Recycling Electronics: Small Actions, Big Impact” Did you know? Recycling just 1 million laptops saves energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,500 homes in a year! E-waste contains hazardous materials like mercury and lead that harm ecosystems, but it’s also a treasure trove of valuable resources like gold and silver. Responsible recycling reduces environmental pollution, cuts energy consumption, and conserves raw materials. 🔄 The Impact of Recycling Electronics: • Protects natural resources by reusing metals. • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing mining. • Keeps toxins out of landfills, safeguarding soil and water. Your old gadgets can help the planet. Let’s choose recycling for a sustainable tomorrow. 🌍♻️ #RecycleElectronics #GreenFuture #EWasteManagement The Journey of E-Waste: From Trash to Treasure” Ever wondered what happens to your discarded gadgets? 🤔 The e-waste management process is a meticulous journey of collection, segregation, dismantling, and recovery. Valuable materials like copper, gold, and aluminum are extracted, while non-recyclable components are disposed of safely. 🔧 Steps in E-Waste Management: 1️⃣Collection: Gadgets are gathered from consumers. 2️⃣Segregation: Components like plastics and metals are sorted. 3️⃣Dismantling: Devices are broken down into parts. 4️⃣Recovery: Precious metals are extracted for reuse. Every device recycled reduces landfill waste and prevents hazardous materials from polluting the environment. Let’s transform e-waste into resources! 🌱 #EWasteJourney #SustainableLiving The Global E-Waste Crisis: A Call to Action 📢 Breaking News: By 2030, global e-waste is projected to reach a staggering 82 million metric tons annually! This explosive growth is driven by rapid tech upgrades and shorter product life-cycle. Yet, only 22% of e-waste is formally recycled, leaving the rest in landfills or informal sectors. 🔍 What We Must Do: • Strengthen recycling infrastructure. • Promote repair and reuse to extend product life cycles. • Drive public awareness on responsible disposal practices. E-waste is both a crisis and an opportunity. Let’s act now to safeguard our planet and unlock the potential of a circular economy. 🌍♻️ Urban Mining: The Future of Sustainable Recycling Did you know? A ton of e-waste contains 100x more gold than a ton of gold ore! This is the power of urban mining, where precious metals are recovered from discarded electronics. As natural resources dwindle, urban mining offers a sustainable way to meet global demand while reducing environmental degradation. 🔄 Benefits of Urban Mining: • Recovers valuable materials like gold, cobalt, and rare earth metals. • Reduces reliance on environmentally damaging mining practices. • Supports the transition to a circular economy. Urban mining is not just a solution for managing e-waste; it’s a gateway to a greener, resource-efficient future. Let’s turn waste into wealth! 🌱

Ireland's waste increases by more than 20% in past decade Ireland's recycling rate has stagnated in the past decade. Over the same time, the amount of waste generated has increased by more than 20%. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) findings show Ireland is "now almost certain" to miss European Union targets on municipal and packaging recycling for 2025. In its newly-published Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlights Report 2022, the EPA said half of all waste generated in Ireland came from the construction industry. It also found Ireland's capacity to collect and treat waste is "vulnerable and underperforming", with 38% (1.2 million tonnes) of all municipal waste – which includes waste from households and similar waste from businesses – exported to other countries for treatment. And while 41% of waste is recycled, that rate has remained static for several years. There is a requirement to recycle 55% municipal waste by 2025. Reuse and recovery of materials high David Flynn, Director of the EPA, said the report showed progress towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair and repurposing before recycling, had stalled. "Current measures to prevent waste, to promote reuse and to encourage recycling are not enough to meet mandatory municipal waste and plastic packaging targets. "The challenge for Ireland is to reverse these trends and significantly reduce waste production and increase reuse and recycling. "Strong implementation of existing policies and the introduction of new measures that support investment in new circular economy infrastructure will help move us away from a wasteful linear economy." Reuse and recovery of materials were high in the construction sector (82%). The sector has a target of recovering 70% of materials, mostly through back filling or land restoration. 'Deeper change' needed The EPA's Circular Economy Programme Manager said high consumption of raw materials characterised the economy of Ireland. "Deeper change is needed right across the economy to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy," said Warren Phelan. "Effective regulation, incentives and enforcement are required to influence businesses and consumers to adopt best practices in production, supply, purchasing, use and reuse of goods, products and services." The 41% Irish recycling rate for 2022 compares to 49.7% in Northern Ireland in 2022/23. https://lnkd.in/gf5ifHEn

The Importance of #Recycling Batteries and other items As you walk through the grocery store with your reusable bags in tow, you add some batteries to your cart for the TV remote. But when those batteries run out of juice, what will you do? We all know it’s important to recycle, but many everyday items like batteries, lightbulbs, and electronics get overlooked. The Environmental Impact of batteries and Other Hard-to-Recycle Items Batteries are essential for powering many of the devices we use every day, but they also contain toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury that can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. When batteries end up in landfills, these metals can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating resources. Hazardous Waste in Landfills It’s estimated that Americans throw away about 3 billion batteries each year, resulting in thousands of tons of hazardous waste entering landfills annually. Many of these are single -use alkaline batteries that still contain up to 80% of their chemicals even after they’ve been drained of power. Rechargeable batteries like nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries are even more problematic since they’re designed to be used and recharged multiple times. The Importance of Recycling Recycling batteries keeps these toxic materials out of landfills and the environment. Battery recycling also recovers valuable resources like lead, cadmium, lithium, and cobalt that can be used to make new batteries. Many stores that sell batteries like Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot also offer free battery recycling programs. Some cities and towns also offer hazardous waste collection days where residents can drop off used batteries and other electronic waste for recycling. Other Items to Recycle It’s not just batteries that contain hazardous materials and should be recycled. Other problematic items include e-waste like old computers, cell phones, and other electronics; compact fluorescent light bulbs which contain mercury; and old paint, motor oil, and other chemicals. Many areas offer special hazardous waste drop-off days and reycling programs for these types of waste as well. Do your part for the environment-recycle your batteries and properly dispose of other hazardous waste. Our planet will thank you!. Conclusion Remember, while recycling batteries and other items takes some extra effort, the long-term benefits to the environment and humanity make it worthwhile. Take a few extra minutes to sort your recyclables and find battery drop-off points. Spread the word to friends and family to raise awareness. Your small actions can make a big difference. Support local recycling initiatives and policies. The planet's future depends on each of us doing our part today to reduce waste and recycle properly. With mindful effort, we can preserve resources and build a cleaner world for future generations. Start making recycling a daily habit.

RECYCLING NEWS YOU CAN USE ♻️📱The E-Waste Pile Up   Concerns are mounting as e-waste piles up worldwide, posing environmental and health risks. According to recent reports from U.N. agencies, only a fraction of electronic devices are properly recycled, with rates expected to decline further. 📱 E-waste, including discarded cellphones, laptops, and TVs, totaled 62 million tons in 2022 alone. Yet, only 22% was collected and recycled. The growth of e-waste is fueled by higher consumption, shorter product life cycles, and inadequate recycling infrastructure. 📱 Recycling and collection rates vary globally, with Europe leading at over 40% and Africa lagging at only 1%. In Nairobi's Dandora dumpsite, scavengers risk their health to extract valuable materials. However, initiatives like Nairobi's WEEE center aim to provide safer disposal options. 📱Experts emphasize the need for sound #regulations, improved recycling practices, and support for those reliant on e-waste harvesting. It's time for collective action to address this growing global challenge. Read the full article below so we can work toward a #sustainable future together! We Make It Easy! SPORC ♻️ #EWaste #RecycleResponsibly #SustainableFuture https://lnkd.in/ewSwZ_K7 WEEE Forum United Nations sustainable AG Recycling International ISRI ISRI Gulf Coast Region Houston Housing Collaborative City of Houston

Recycling e-waste helps both individuals and businesses! 🌍  For individuals, it reduces pollution and saves valuable materials. For businesses, it cuts costs and shows a commitment to the environment. Let’s all do our part in creating a cleaner, greener future! ♻️ Kar Parivartan embodies the principles of circularity by promoting effective waste management, encouraging responsible consumption, and facilitating the reuse of materials. By facilitating the effective management and repurposing of these waste materials, Kar Parivartan helps prevent them from ending up in landfills and reduces the demand for virgin materials, thus conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact. If you are interested in knowing about the benefits of e-waste recycling for individuals and businesses, read the article to learn more https://lnkd.in/g32ynveC . . extended producer responsibility epr Climate Group #EWaste #WasteManagement #Recycling #EWasteRecycling #CircularEconomy #GoGreen #ClimateChange #SaveThePlanet #CSR #EPR #EPRCompliance #GreenTech #EcoFriendly #ReduceReuseRecycle #ClimateImpact