Get a grasp of the global electronic waste (e-waste) landscape with this latest release of the Global E-waste Monitor report from the United Nations. Produced in collaboration by the United Nations University, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Solid Waste Association. This report looks to provide analyses, statistics, and solutions related to e-waste generation, recycling rates, policy frameworks, and environmental impacts for 2024, – with regional perspectives covering Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Some key takeaways include:
- The world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling
- The world’s e-waste generation is rising rapidly, outpacing documented recycling efforts, with 62 billion kg generated globally in 2022.
- Formal collection and recycling rates are low, with only 22.3% of e-waste collected and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner in 2022.
- E-waste generation has increased steadily since 2010, averaging 2.3 billion kg annually, surpassing growth in formal recycling.
- Collection and recycling vary across regions, with Europe leading at 42.8%, while Africa struggles with rates below 1%.
- Three scenarios for 2030 project varying collection and recycling rates: Business as Usual (20%), Progressive (38%), and Aspirational (60%), with cooperation between sectors crucial for improvement.
