E-waste is a major challenge for the planet

In 2019, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was generated around the world. — AFP

According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 drafted in collaboration with the United Nations University and published this past July, Europeans produce an average of 16.2 kilogrammes of e-waste (discarded electronic and electrical equipment) every year, which is the equivalent of close to eight portable computers per person, while those in Oceania produce 16.1kg of e-waste per person and those in the Americas 13.3kg per person.

On the level of the planet, a record 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2019. In spite of a host of interesting initiatives to generate value from it, like using bacteria to bind with precious metals it contains, most e-waste is either incinerated or sent to landfill, and only 17.4% is recycled.