Futures

The Growing E-Waste Crisis: Billions of Mobile Phones Discarded Each Year, (from page 20221016.)

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Summary

In 2022, an estimated 5.3 billion mobile phones will be discarded, exacerbating the global e-waste crisis, according to the WEEE forum. With around 16 billion mobile phones in existence, nearly a third in Europe are no longer used. The WEEE predicts that e-waste will reach 74 million tonnes annually by 2030, emphasizing the importance of recycling valuable materials like copper and cobalt found in these devices. Currently, only 17% of e-waste is properly recycled, with a UN goal to increase this to 30% by next year. The Royal Society of Chemistry is advocating for e-waste mining to support sustainable technologies amid global supply chain challenges. In the UK alone, over 20 million functional electrical items worth £5.63 billion are hoarded, indicating a significant opportunity for recycling and resale.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Growing E-Waste Crisis 5.3 billion mobile phones expected to be discarded in 2022, highlighting e-waste issues. From low awareness of e-waste to increased recognition of its environmental impact and potential resources. E-waste recycling could become a mainstream practice, significantly reducing environmental harm and recovering valuable materials. Rising awareness of environmental issues and resource scarcity driving the need for better e-waste management. 4
Underutilization of Old Devices Many people hoard old phones instead of recycling them, leading to resource waste. From a throwaway culture to a more sustainable mindset encouraging recycling and reusing old devices. Increased societal focus on sustainability could lead to higher recycling rates and reduced e-waste accumulation. Cultural shifts towards sustainability and resource conservation influencing consumer behavior. 5
Valuable Resources in E-Waste E-waste contains precious materials that can be reused in new products, highlighting potential economic benefits. From viewing e-waste as garbage to recognizing it as a valuable resource for new technology production. The e-waste recycling industry may flourish, driven by the demand for sustainable resource sourcing. Economic incentives to recover valuable materials driving investment in e-waste recycling technologies. 4
Low Recycling Rates Currently, only 17% of e-waste is recycled properly, with a target of 30% by the UN. From minimal recycling efforts to improved systems and awareness for e-waste management. Enhanced recycling infrastructure and public awareness could significantly increase e-waste recycling rates. Regulatory pressures and international goals pushing for better waste management practices. 4
Conflict Impacting Supply Chains Global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, threaten the supply chains for precious metals. From stable supply chains to increased volatility due to geopolitical issues affecting resource availability. Resource sourcing may shift towards recycling e-waste to mitigate reliance on conflict-affected areas. Geopolitical tensions driving the need for more localized and sustainable resource sourcing strategies. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Increasing E-waste Volume Projected growth of e-waste to 74 million tonnes annually by 2030 poses disposal and environmental challenges. 5
Undervaluation of Old Electronics Many people keep old phones instead of recycling, leading to wasted resources and missed economic opportunities. 4
Environmental and Health Hazards Improper disposal of e-waste contains harmful substances that threaten both human health and the environment. 5
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, risk precious-metal supply chains needed for electronics. 4
Low Recycling Rates Only 17% of global e-waste is recycled correctly, falling far short of the UN target of 30%. 5
Lack of Awareness and Initiatives Insufficient public awareness and initiatives for recycling can lead to increased waste and lost materials. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
E-waste awareness and recycling Growing recognition of the importance of recycling e-waste and the value of precious materials in discarded electronics. 5
Hoarding of unused electronics Increasing trend of individuals keeping old, unused electronic devices rather than recycling them or selling them. 4
Campaigns for responsible disposal Emergence of campaigns aimed at promoting the recycling and responsible disposal of e-waste. 4
Utilization of e-waste resources Focus on extracting valuable resources from e-waste for the production of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions. 5
Government and organizational initiatives Initiatives by governments and organizations to improve e-waste recycling rates and provide accessible disposal options. 4
Financial incentives for recycling Identifying financial benefits for individuals who sell or recycle their unused electronics. 3

Technologies

name description relevancy
E-waste Recycling Processes to reclaim valuable materials from discarded electronic devices, reducing the need for mining and environmental impact. 5
Urban Mining The practice of extracting valuable metals and minerals from electronic waste to produce new products, promoting sustainability. 4
Green Technology Innovations focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability, including solar panels and electric vehicle batteries. 5
Circular Economy Practices Strategies aimed at reusing materials and minimizing waste, particularly in electronics, to enhance recycling efforts. 4
Recycling Initiatives Campaigns and systems to improve the recycling rates of e-waste and promote responsible disposal. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
E-waste Management The increasing volume of e-waste from discarded phones and electronics poses a significant environmental challenge. 5
Resource Recovery from E-waste The potential to extract valuable materials from e-waste can mitigate resource shortages and support green technologies. 4
Improper Recycling Practices Only 17% of e-waste is currently recycled properly, indicating a need for better recycling initiatives and awareness. 5
Health Risks from E-waste E-waste can contain harmful substances that pose risks to human health and the environment. 4
Consumer Awareness and Behavior Many consumers hoard unused electronics instead of recycling, highlighting a need for improved consumer education on e-waste. 4
Impact of Global Conflicts on Metal Supplies Global conflicts can disrupt supply chains for precious metals, making e-waste recycling more critical for resource availability. 4
Government and Organizational Initiatives Programs to encourage e-waste recycling through collection points and incentives are emerging as solutions to the growing problem. 3
Tech Valuation of Unused Electronics The potential economic value of unused electronics in households suggests a market for resale or recycling. 3