US E-waste is a vast and growing problem – Digital2

The Growing Problem of E-Waste

The majority of Americans (98%) now own a cellphone of some kind. [1] 81% own a laptop or desktop and 64% own a tablet. Additionally, households are increasingly gaining gaming consoles, streaming devices and smart appliances. [2]

The world generated 62 billion kg of electronic waste in 2022, and only 22.3% of this was officially documented as properly collected and recycled. Since 2010, the growth of e-waste generation is outpacing the formal collection and recycling by almost a factor of 5. [3]

The U.S. and Canada annually generate 7.9 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste or 21.2 kilograms (kg) per capita. Of that 7.9 Mt, the U.S. generates 7.2 Mt and Canada generates 0.7 Mt. [4]

Increasing levels of e-waste, improper and unsafe treatment, and disposal through incineration or in landfills pose significant challenges to the environment and human health.

It is estimated that 14 billion kg of e-waste were improperly disposed of worldwide in 2022, mostly in high or middle-income countries. [4]

Most e-waste is managed outside formal collection and recycling schemes. As a result of non-compliant e-waste management, 58 thousand kg of mercury and 45 million kg of plastics containing brominated flame retardants are released into the environment every year. This has a direct and severe impact on the environment and people’s health. [4]

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