Why do we do it?

In 2016 alone, 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated, which is the equivalent of 4500 Eifel towers. This is expected to grow to 52.2 million metric tonnes by the end of 2021, with an annual growth rate of 3 to 4%. Only 20% of this is supposed to be collected and recycled, the other 80% is not documented and very likely to be dumped, traded or recycled under inferior conditions.

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This huge improperly treated waste stream does not only harm the environment but also the health of animals, including humans, that come in contact with it. There are about 60 different chemical elements present in e-waste streams that spread via water, air, soil, dust and food. 

 

Some of these elements, like lead, mercury and cadmium, are very hazardous, especially for children, and can lead to irreversible cognitive deficits, behavioural and motor skill problems. Moreover, not properly recycling e-waste depletes our earth of very precious and rare materials like gold and platinum. This may not only lead to shortages, but also requires the continuous mining of new raw materials which is very hazardous and damaging to the environment. The United Nations University estimates raw materials retrieved from e-waste to be worth around €55 billion.