What is E-Waste?
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is a term used to describe discarded electronic devices such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets. E-waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the ever-increasing demand for electronic devices.
Despite the growing volume of e-waste, the issue remains undervalued and overlooked by many. In most cases, e-waste is treated as regular waste and is disposed of in landfills or incinerated. This practice poses a significant threat to the environment and human health as electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leak into the environment and cause serious pollution.

Furthermore, e-waste often contains valuable materials such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum, which can be recovered through recycling. However, the vast majority of e-waste is not recycled, and the materials are lost forever. This represents a missed opportunity to recover valuable resources and reduce the need for new mining activities.
Another issue with e-waste is the unequal distribution of its impact. Most e-waste is generated in developed countries, but it is often shipped to developing countries for disposal or recycling, where it is handled in unsafe and unregulated conditions, putting the health of workers and local communities at risk.
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The need for proper e-waste management is more urgent than ever. According to a report by the Global E-waste Monitor, the world generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019, and this is expected to increase to 74.7 million metric tons by 2030. The report also revealed that only 17.4% of the e-waste generated in 2019 was recycled, indicating a significant missed opportunity for resource recovery.
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The good news is that there are solutions available to address the e-waste problem. Governments and businesses can invest in e-waste management systems, including collection, transportation, and recycling facilities. Additionally, individuals can contribute to the solution by responsibly disposing of their electronic devices at designated e-waste recycling centers.
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In conclusion, e-waste is a growing problem that poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. It is undervalued and often overlooked, despite containing valuable materials that can be recovered through recycling. Proper e-waste management is crucial to minimize its impact on the environment and human health, and to maximize the recovery of valuable resources. It is time for individuals, governments, and businesses to take action and address the e-waste problem.
Source for the video - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/the-enormous-opportunity-of-e-waste-recycling/​