The volume of electronic waste is increasing year by year. In 2019, 53.6 million tonnes were generated worldwide. However, only 9.3 million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were collected and recycled that year, reports 01net .
A "ridiculous" rate, according to Vanessa Forti, one of the authors of the study on the subject published by the UN University. In addition, collection does not keep up with the increase in the volume of waste, the report reveals. Since 2014, the mass of litter has increased by 9.2 million tonnes, while the volume of recycled materials has increased by only 1.8 million tonnes per year.
Recycling would generate 48 billion euros
Europe has the “best collection and recycling rate”, with 42.5% of the total recycled volume. The other continents are far behind: Asia recycles 11.7%, the Americas 9.4%, Oceania 8.8% and Africa only 0.9%.
If a large part of the waste is not recycled, their fate remains unclear, explains Vanessa Forti. However, these objects contain materials that are harmful to human health and the environment. Mercury, for example, can "cause brain damage", according to the researcher. The study estimates that 50 tonnes of this substance would be disseminated in nature due to a lack of recycling.
However, taking care of and recycling this waste could yield a lot. "The total value of all these components was evaluated for the year 2019 at 48 billion euros" specifies the study. A figure much more flattering than the 10 billion euros actually generated by the recycling of WEEE in 2019.
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