Electronics companies focus on increased and periodical sales, often intentionally making their products difficult to repair and recycle. Electronic waste (e-waste) is piling up fast. In one of the most detailed studies of global e-waste to date, the United Nations University estimated that 41.8 million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2014 alone.
E-waste, which includes mobile phones and computers, often contains toxic substances like mercury, lead, flame retardants and arsenic. These substances pose serious risks to the environment, especially in developing countries where most e-waste is dumped, often illegally. Only a small percentage of e-waste is recycled. And when it is recycled, it poses a risk to the health of the workers who handle it. Workers do not always receive adequate protection.
The GoodElectronics network advocates for strong regulation to reduce the illegal export of e-waste and a shift towards durability, reusability and recycling of electronics.
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