The acres of electronics that power our world also have lifespans and eventually need to be disposed of. Unfortunately, electronic waste, or e-waste, has become the fastest-growing waste stream globally and is now rising five times faster than it’s being recycled.
There are currently over 347 million metric tons of unrecycled e-waste on the planet. While many components of electronic devices are recyclable, the recycling rate for e-waste is relatively low. The latest stats available on e-waste are from 2024 but based on data from 2022. Per those stats, less than a quarter of the record 62 billion kilograms of e-waste generated globally in 2022 was recycled.
According to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor, e-waste is growing five times faster than recycling and is predicted to continually rise to reach 82 million tons in 2030. In 2022, less than a quarter of e-waste was collected and recycled. Smaller electronics like toys, vacuum cleaners, and e-cigarettes have low recycling rates at 12%. However, bigger electronics like TV screens and air conditioning units have much higher recycling rates. While people might not think recycling small electronics is as important, it is these small materials that build up and make up a larger part of landfills. The United States is one of the largest producers of e-waste, and it is predicted that recycling rates will continue to decrease until 2030. With no federal law to ensure proper recycling, we all must do our part to prevent this issue from becoming worse.
E-waste Risks and Challenges
Per the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, by 2030:
- E-waste generation is expected to reach 82 million tonnes
- The overall global e-waste recycling rate is projected to decline to 20%
- The net annual economic monetary cost of e-waste is expected to reach $40 billion annually
- Photovoltaic panel e-waste is expected to quadruple from 0.6 to 2.4 billion kg
A lot of the issues come from lack of awareness. Surprisingly, many people are unsure about the proper disposal of electronic waste, which poses a significant threat to the environment, impacting land, water, and air quality.
Repair
Before buying a replacement for your electronics, consider repairing them to extend their lifespans and produce less e-waste. recycle defends the right to repair electronics, as companies may use copyright laws in order to ensure that people don’t use an unauthorized repairer, and teaches people how to repair their own devices.
Extend the lifespan
Companies often incentivize buying a newer model of a gadget by producing software upgrades that can only be downloaded on the newer models of smartphones and computers, but try to use your electronics for as long as possible in order to reduce the amount of e-waste that you create.
Resell
Consider reselling your device, so its lifespan can be extended. These products will either be reused by someone else or their parts will be recycled. You can find out how to delete all your personal information from your devices. You’ll need to do this before reselling the device.
Recycle
If you cannot continue to use your electronics or resell them, then ensure that you are recycling them responsibly. Twenty-five states have specific e-waste legislation, so make sure you know the laws in your state (you can find out your state’s legislation on e-waste here). Before recycling, be sure to delete all of your personal information from the device, remove any batteries (as they may need to be recycled separately), and put any broken parts into sealed bags, so any hazardous materials don’t leak. Be sure to use gloves while handling any broken electronics
Why We Need Sustainable Tech Practices
| Pros | Explanation |
| Environmental Protection | Reduces pollution and conserves ecosystems. |
| Resource Conservation | Recovers rare metals like gold, silver, and lithium, reducing mining. |
| Health Benefits | Limits human exposure to toxic chemicals from discarded electronics. |
| Economic Opportunities | Recycling and repair industries create jobs. |
| Energy Savings | Recycling uses less energy than producing new materials. |
Effects If We Practice Sustainability ✅
Reduced environmental pollution and healthier ecosystems
Less reliance on mining raw materials
Safer communities and workplaces
Circular economy where materials are reused efficiently
Long-term cost savings and technological innovation
Effects If We Don’t Practice Sustainability❌
Toxic contamination of soil, water, and air
Increased health risks from exposure to hazardous materials
Rapid depletion of natural resources and higher mining activity
Overflowing landfills filled with e-waste
Higher long-term environmental and financial costs
Practical Steps to Reduce Tech Waste
Repair Instead of Replace – Fix devices rather than throwing them away.
Recycle Properly – Use certified e-waste recycling centers.
Choose Sustainable Products – Devices designed for durability and easy repair.
Donate or Sell Old Electronics – Extend their lifecycle.
Support Green Tech Companies – Choose brands committed to sustainability.
Donate us!
your unused or broken electronics today we’ll repair, recycle, or reuse their parts to give them a second life and reduce tech waste!