Global electronic waste up 21% in five years, and recycling isn’t keeping up

Jul 20, 2020

Electronic waste or e-waste from computers is pictured in a junk shop in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez - RC2QKH9SLRP2

Global e-waste reached 53.6 million tonnes in 2019. Image: REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez - RC2QKH9SLRP2

Vanessa Forti

Programme Associate, United Nations University

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Discarded electric and electronic products are forming the fastest growing domestic waste stream worldwide.

What e-waste can look like. Image: United Nations University/Yassyn Sidki

How the world managed e-waste in 2019. Image: United Nations University/Nienke Haccoû

Discarded e-waste isn’t just an environmental problem, it’s also an economic opportunity.

Discarded e-waste can be resold and reused for monetary gain. Image: United Nations University/Yassyn Sidki

Governments worldwide are enacting new laws to better manage e-waste.

How countries are pledging to better manage their e-waste. Image: United Nations University/Nienke Haccoû

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