A record 53.6 million tons of e-scrap worth EUR 50 billion was generated across the planet in 2019. But less than 18% of this was officially documented as being recycled, with the rest going to landfill, burned or illegally traded and treated in a sub-standard way, claims the WEEE Forum.
This challenging data was presented by the organization that represents producers to mark its third International E-Waste Day, which brings together stakeholders to promote the proper recycling and reuse of electronics.
The WEEE Forum expects e-scrap globally to reach 75 million tons by 2030. ‘E-scrap is the fastest growing domestic waste stream in the world. If we don’t continue to improve the way it is collected and treated it will continue to be a major environmental issue,’ says director general Pascal Leroy.
One key area in the quest for continual improvement is educating young people and the wider public; the more they know and understand, the more likely they are to make the correct decisions regarding their waste, believes Leroy. ‘This is the reason the 2020 edition of International E-Waste Day is dedicated to improving societal awareness.’
