It is estimated that between 20 and 50 million tons of E-waste is generated globally per year. Though this is a staggering statistic, it is understandable when we consider the gross number of new phones, tablets, computers, printers and other electronic products that are purchased. Innovation in technology is driving the introduction of new products, particularly in the portable electronics category, such as tablets and wearables like smart watches. Only 17.4 per cent of 2019’s global e-waste was collected and recycled. *2
The United States alone generated 6.92 million tons of E-waste, about 46 pounds per person, in 2019. It recycled only 15% of the material. *4 .
Where are the discarded and outdated devices to go? Despite incentives and reimbursements, the remainder either ends up in landfills or is illegally disposed. Even some waste that is brought to E- waste recyclers is shipped off to developing countries, mostly in Asia and Africa. The environmental and social impacts are obvious as reports continue to emerge of illegal dumping and stockpiling of waste * 5
What is difficult to understand is that this volume of discarded waste represents approximately $8.9 billion annually in the U.S according to the EPA’s 2018 calculations. Globally, in 2019, the value of recoverable gold, silver, copper, platinum, and other high-value, materials is conservatively valued at US $57 billion. *3
Add to these waste volumes the upcoming stream of retired solar panels and the tonnage is projected to increase exponentially.