E-Waste and the Circular Economy
The E-Waste Mountain
How the world generates over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste a year, why it's the fastest-growing waste stream, and how little is properly recycled.
E-waste is discarded electrical and electronic equipment: phones, computers, TVs, fridges, cables and more.
Scale
- The UN Global E-waste Monitor 2024 estimated the world generated about 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022.
- It’s growing much faster than formal recycling.
Recycling rates
Only around 22 percent was documented as properly collected and recycled globally.
Why it’s growing
- More devices per person.
- Shorter lifespans and frequent upgrades.
- Cheap electronics.
India
India is among the world’s largest e-waste generators, alongside China and the US.
Why it matters
- Valuable materials are lost.
- Toxic substances like lead and mercury can harm health and the environment.
Economic view
E-waste is both a pollution problem and a resource opportunity.
The drawer of old phones
Many households keep old phones and chargers in drawers, where valuable metals sit unused.
Thinking most e-waste gets recycled
Only about 22 percent is documented as properly recycled.
Key takeaways
- The world generated about 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022.
- Only about 22 percent was properly recycled.
- More devices and shorter lifespans drive growth.
- India is among the largest generators.
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