Waste as an invisible threat - why should we recycle e-waste?
Each year, millions of electronic devices are discarded globally due to aging or damage, ending up in landfills. These discarded devices create electronic waste (e-waste), one of the fastest-growing environmental problems in the modern world. According to 2022 data, only one-fourth of the existing e-waste was properly recycled. The ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability, an international platform, conducts annual monitoring of e-waste. Based on the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, by 2022, the world generated 62 billion kilograms of e-waste, equating to an average of 7.8 kg per person. However, only 22.3% of this waste was recycled under proper conditions, which is an alarming figure.
By 2030, the amount of e-waste worldwide is expected to reach 82 billion kilograms, posing serious environmental and economic challenges. Under one scenario, if appropriate measures are not taken, official recycling rates could drop to 20%. However, with increased efforts, recycling rates could rise to 38%. Achieving these goals requires coordinated global efforts to improve e-waste management infrastructure and foster collaboration at all levels.
What is e-waste?
E-waste includes any discarded device that operates or once operated on electricity or batteries. This can include computers, mobile phones, household appliances, medical equipment, and more. These devices often contain various hazardous and toxic substances that, if not properly recycled, can harm the environment and human health.
Improperly disposed electronic devices end up in landfills, where they interact with the environment. Toxic substances in e-waste, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, and others, seep into soil and water, polluting the environment. Once released, these toxic pollutants can travel significant distances from the source, causing harm far away from their point of origin, ultimately affecting human health.
Pollution caused by e-waste is particularly dangerous to human health. The heavy metals within e-waste have severe effects on the human body. Lead damages the nervous system and causes cognitive impairments, mercury affects the brain and kidneys and may lead to memory loss, while cadmium damages kidneys, weakens bones, and leads to osteoporosis. Inhalation of fine particles and toxic fumes released during improper e-waste disposal can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even increase the risk of cancer. These risks highlight the necessity of safe e-waste processing to protect human health.
Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of e-waste. Developing bodies and weaker immune systems make children more sensitive to toxins. Even small doses can cause long-term harm. For pregnant women, there is an increased risk of premature birth and developmental complications for the fetus. Studies have shown that exposure to particles released during improper e-waste processing can impair lung function in children aged 2-8, reduce antimicrobial defenses in the respiratory system, and increase vulnerability to infections.
To mitigate these risks, proper e-waste management and professional recycling are essential. It is crucial to deliver e-waste to designated collection points, where it will be correctly sorted, processed, and reused. Proper recycling minimizes the risk of toxic substances entering the environment, which is vital for protecting our health and that of others. Additionally, reusing e-waste as a resource helps conserve Earth's finite primary resources.
