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Global E-waste Monitor 2017

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More and more people are joining the global information society and digital economy, and are benefiting from the opportunities they offer. In parallel, higher levels of disposable incomes, urbanization, and industrialization in many developing countries are leading to growing amounts of electrical and electronic equipment and, consequently, to greater amounts of e-waste.
 
Discarded equipment, such as phones, laptops, fridges, sensors, and TVs contain substances that pose considerable environmental and health risks, especially if treated inadequately. Most e-waste is not properly documented and not treated through appropriate recycling chains and methods. At the same time e-waste streams challenge the efforts towards a circular economy as valuable and scarce resources are wasted.
 

The Global E-waste Monitor 2017, a joint effort of the ITU, the United Nations University (UNU) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),  provides the most comprehensive overview of global e-waste statistics and an unprecedented level of detail, including an overview of the magnitude of the e-waste problem in different regions. The report includes up-to-date information on the amounts of e-waste generated and recycled, makes predictions until 2021, and provides information on the progress made in terms of e-waste legislation. The e-waste volumes are indicative of the recycling industry’s potential to recover secondary resources, as well as setting environmental targets for detoxification. The report highlights the need for better e-waste data and information for policymakers to track progress, identify the need for action, and to achieve sustainable development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Global e-waste generated

Download the Executive Summary of the Global E-waste Monitor 2017 (pdf format)


The Executive Summary is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

Download the Global E-waste Monitor 2017 (pdf format)

 

E-waste Monitors


They provide the most comprehensive overview of global e-waste statistics, including an overview of the magnitude of the e-waste challenges in different regions. Check out other global and national e-waste monitors!