6.13 Crore Tons of E-Waste Generated in One Year, Hazardous to Health

6.13 Crore Tons of E-Waste Generated in One Year, Hazardous to Health
In 2023, an average of eight kilograms of e-waste was generated per person worldwide, totalling 6.13 crore tons of electronic waste in a single year. This amount is even heavier than the Great Wall of China.
According to a United Nations report, only 17.4% of the e-waste generated was properly treated, recycled, or reused. The remaining 5.06 crore tons of waste was either dumped in landfills or burned, releasing toxic materials and hazardous elements that are harmful to both the environment and health.
Dumping e-waste in landfills or burning it creates significant environmental and health concerns. E-waste often contains pollutants that leach into the soil and contaminate air and water sources. The hazardous substances in e-waste, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can cause severe health issues, including cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive health problems, especially affecting children, pregnant women, and young people.
Challenges of E-Waste Recycling
Despite being the largest source of recyclable waste, only 54% of e-waste was collected and recycled in 2023. E-waste recycling is crucial, as it contains valuable metals like silver and copper, which become more expensive if not recycled.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that improper disposal and recycling of e-waste can lead to serious health risks. With the increasing production of electronic devices, there is an urgent need to find sustainable solutions to handle this waste.
Global Initiatives Required
It is essential to implement sustainable practices for e-waste disposal and recycling globally by 2024. E-waste management can play a crucial role in reducing pollution, conserving resources, and controlling carbon emissions.