E-waste in 2022. Five facts you didn’t know about waste electronic equipment
Table of Contents
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is any waste material with a power source, whether via cable or battery. It’s these assets we use every day, like our laptops and fridges, which can become harmful waste when disposed of improperly.
1. 57.4M tonnes of e-waste expected in 2021 will outweigh China’s great wall.
According to The Global E-waste monitor ‘, This year’s worldwide mountain of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) will total an estimated 57.4 million tonnes — greater than the weight of the Great Wall of China, Earth’s heaviest artificial object.’
2. UK is the ‘second largest producer’ of WEEE
“The UK generated the second most waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) per capita in the world in 2019, behind only Norway, according to a report published by a global e-waste grouping.”
Full Recycling Magazine article
3. Rising e-waste levels disproportionately affect millions of children globally according to WHO
In their first report in 2021, the World Health Organisation calls for more to be done to protect children from the harmful effects of e-waste.
‘Children exposed to e-waste are particularly vulnerable to the toxic chemicals they contain due to their smaller size, less developed organs, and rapid rate of growth and development. They absorb more pollutants relative to their size and are less able to metabolize or eradicate toxic substances from their bodies.’
4. E-waste levels are getting worse, and the problem is accelerating
The size and scale of the e-waste crisis are only going to get worse if left at current rates. According to The Global e-waste monitor, the scale of the problem is only accelerating. From 2014 to 2019, global e-waste grew by 21%.
Based on current trends reports predict the total amount of e-waste generated worldwide will reach 67 million tons (74 million metric tonnes) by 2030, almost doubling the output from 2014.
5. Change is on the way, but action needs ramping up
Since 2014, the number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation, or regulation in place has increased from 61 to 78. While a positive trend, this is far from the target set by the International Telecommunication Union (which is to raise the percentage of countries with e-waste legislation to 50 percent)
If your business needs battery replacement or recycling, then S2S Group can provide a collection service in line with It is important now more than ever to contribute to e-waste solutions such as recycling, reuse, and refurbishment. Contact S2S Group to discuss how your business can safely, securely, and sustainably process its e-waste.
Or for further information on S2S Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability read more here.
