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E-waste growing five times faster than official recycling rates: UN. SINGAPORE – Humanity’ s appetite for electronic gadgets and appliances, from phones to refrigerators to air-conditioners, is creating a growing mountain of e-waste that is causing pollution and billions of dollars in valuable materials being discarded, a United Nations report released on March 20 said. The UN’s Global E-waste Monitor report said the generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than what official recycling rate figures show. Millions of tonnes of it are also being handled in poorer nations without correct processing sites or procedures. E-waste is any discarded product with a plug or battery. In 2022, the amount of e-waste generated globally hit 62 million tonnes – enough to fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks. If lined up bumper to bumper, the trucks would encircle the planet at the Equator, according to the report. Asia is a major source of e-waste – accounting for nearly half of the global e-waste generated in 2022 – and also has a low recycling rate.  Worldwide, the annual generation of e-waste is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, and is on track to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. In 2022, e-waste comprised 17 million tonnes of plastic, and 14 million tonnes of other materials such as minerals, glass and concrete. Metals comprised about half of the e-waste total at 31 million tonnes – with a total value of US$91 billion (S$122 billion), including US$19 billion worth of copper, US$15 billion in gold and US$16 billion in iron embedded in the discarded products. Heavy metals used in electronics such cadmium, lead, chromium and mercury, and toxic chemicals in plastic components, can cause environmental and health hazards when dumped or incinerated. Globally, just 22.3 per cent, or 13.8 million tonnes, of all e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner in 2022, leaving US$62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for and increasing pollution risks to communities worldwide, the report said. Large amounts of e-waste are handled informally around the world. For example, 18 million tonnes of e-waste are dismantled in low- and lower-middle income countries with no e-waste management infrastructure. Informal or unregulated recycling involves individuals or operations that dismantle and dispose of e-waste outside of government supervised waste management systems. While such contributions to e-waste recycling can be significant, this stream is not generally monitored by governments or reflected in official data. The concern is that informal recycling of e-waste can prove toxic for workers and pollute the environment. “Too often, informal recycling results in very low resource-efficiency rates and thus does not meet environmental or health and safety standards,” the report noted. https://lnkd.in/g8_VAcfH

E-waste: A Growing Mountain of Trouble, But There's Hope! ♻️ Did you know that in 2022, the world generated a whopping 62 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste)? That's enough to fill over 1.5 million trucks! This number is growing at an alarming rate, 5 times faster than recycling efforts. Yikes! This growing e-waste mountain has serious consequences: - Toxic Trouble: E-waste often contains harmful toxins like mercury and lead. When improperly disposed of, these toxins can leach into the environment, poisoning our air and water and harming human health. - Climate Change Culprit: Manufacturing electronics requires a huge amount of energy and raw materials. As e-waste piles up, so does the environmental impact of our tech habits. - A Lost Resource: E-waste contains valuable resources like gold and precious metals. Recycling these materials can help reduce our reliance on mining and create a more sustainable future. The good news? We can turn the tide on e-waste! The UN report calls for a multi-pronged approach: - Investing in Recycling Infrastructure: We need better systems to collect, process, and recycle e-waste safely and efficiently. - Promoting Repair and Reuse: Giving electronics a second life through repair shops and responsible resale programs can significantly reduce e-waste. - Stronger Legislation: Clear and enforceable laws are crucial to hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life of their products and discourage illegal e-waste dumping. What can you do? ~ Be mindful of your tech purchases. Choose durable, long-lasting electronics and avoid upgrading unnecessarily. ~ Explore repair options before tossing out a broken device. Many electronics can be given a new lease on life with a simple fix. ~ Find responsible e-waste recycling programs in your area. Castaway Technologies offers safe and responsible e-waste recycling solutions! By working together, we can build a more sustainable future where electronics don't become a growing environmental burden. Let's make a difference! Contact us today to learn more! 📞 #ewaste #recycling #sustainability #climatechange #electronics #corporateresponsibility #ewastecrisis #ewasterecycling #gogreen #pollution #reuse Article: https://lnkd.in/eVxivAX8

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.

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! 🌱

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

TECHNOLOGY BEHIND, SPINNING DISC RECYCLING. The spinning disc recycling system installed in rivers is designed to collect floating debris and trash, utilizing the rotational movement of discs to guide waste towards collection points. Developed by an Italian company, the system uses large, rotating discs that float on the river’s surface, creating a gentle current that directs waste without harming aquatic life or ecosystems. The discs are designed to move continuously, driven by the river’s natural flow or powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels or water turbines, making the system eco-friendly and self-sustaining. This technology targets plastic waste, a major pollutant in rivers, and can capture a variety of debris, including bottles, packaging, and even smaller microplastics, contributing to cleaner waterways. Construction of the system involves lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or composite plastics, ensuring durability in harsh aquatic environments while remaining easy to install and maintain. The discs rotate in a controlled manner, preventing waste from escaping and efficiently funneling it toward collection nets or bins, where it can be easily removed for recycling or disposal. Advanced sensors and monitoring systems can be integrated into the design, allowing real-time data collection on the amount and type of waste being captured, which aids in environmental management and pollution tracking. The spinning disc system operates quietly and without significant disruption to wildlife, ensuring that it functions as a passive cleaner, making it ideal for urban rivers or nature reserves. One unique feature is its scalability, allowing multiple discs to be installed in larger rivers or highly polluted areas, creating a network of collection points that can work together to keep rivers clean. The system is modular, meaning that additional components such as waste shredders, compactors, or conveyors can be added to streamline the recycling process right at the collection site, reducing transportation and handling costs. Technologically, the system is designed for minimal energy consumption and low operational costs, making it a cost-effective solution for municipalities or environmental organizations focused on river clean-up. The spinning disc recycling system also has educational potential, as it can raise public awareness about the impact of plastic waste and inspire community involvement in maintaining clean rivers.

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

In 2022, the world generated a record 136.6 billion pounds of electronic waste – equivalent to an average of 17 lbs. per capita per year and up 82% from 2010, according to the latest Global E-Waste Monitor by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Recycling rates remain dangerously low worldwide: only 22.3% of the total electronic waste generated in 2022 was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. In other words, e-waste generation is outpacing the rise in formal recycling by 5 times! This underlines the importance of increasing recycling rates globally. A 60% global recycling rate by the decade’s end would lead to economic, health, and environmental benefits more than $38 billion higher than the costs. #r2certified #ewaste #ewasterecycling #erecycling #ITAD #circulareconomy

E-waste is a growing crisis that poses significant health and environmental risks. Every year, 54 million metric tonnes of electronic waste are generated, and the United Nations Environment Programme warns that this could double by 2050. Unfortunately, only 17% of this waste is recycled. We must advocate for fewer purchases, more recycling, and sustainable e-waste management systems. Manufacturers must design products that last longer, are easy to recycle, and move towards a circular economy. Let's work together to combat this issue and strive for a pollution-free planet. https://lnkd.in/e9gnJhD3

"India Grows to 295 E-Waste Recycling Units Nationwide" . . . If you are interested in knowing more, read this article https://lnkd.in/g_r4mSYk . . #EWaste #EWasteManagement #GoGreen #GreenFuture #Sustainability #ClimateImpact #ElectronicWaste #CircularEconomy #ReverseLogistic #MetalRecovery #CriticalMetals #HealthRisk #UrbanMining #EcoFriendly #EnvironmentalImpact #HumanHealth #ZeroWaste #Recycling #ReduceReuseRecycle #EWasteRecycling #AssetLiquidation