Electronic waste or e-waste is a term used to describe discarded electrical or electronic devices. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and the decreasing lifespan of electronic devices, e-waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.
The Scale of the Problem
Globally, we generate over 50 million tons of e-waste annually, equivalent to throwing out 1000 laptops every second. Only 17.4% of this waste is formally documented as properly collected and recycled, meaning the vast majority ends up in landfills or is informally processed.
Environmental Impact
When e-waste is improperly disposed of, toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into soil and groundwater. One computer monitor can contain up to 8 pounds of lead, which can contaminate soil and water sources, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
