Transitioning Toward a Circular Economy Through E-Waste Management

Introduction

Electronic waste, often known as e-waste, comprises electronic devices powered by a battery or plug that have been discarded because they are no longer needed, functional, or have become obsolete. E-waste can be categorized into six main groups: lamps, small IT and telecom equipment, screens and monitors, temperature exchange equipment, large equipment, and small equipment. Among these categories, small equipment, which encompasses items like microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and kettles, represents the largest proportion of e-waste production by weight. In 2019, the global electronic waste production reached an astonishing 54 million metric tons. This surge in e-waste can be attributed to various factors, including rising disposable income and the widespread availability of electronic devices. Consequently, electronic waste has emerged as the fastest-growing waste category on a global scale. The “Global E-Waste Management Market Outlook, 2028” study report, released by Bonafide study, projects that the industry will grow from USD 60.27 billion in 2022 to USD 122.48 billion by 2028. Furthermore, from 2023 to 2028, the market is expected to expand at a 12.82% CAGR. A substantial amount of garbage has been released into the environment as a result of increased resource consumption brought on by population expansion, urbanisation, and rapid economic growth (Research and Markets, 2023). As of 2023 the total amount of global electronic waste is 61.3 million metric tons. This trajectory is expected to persist, with estimates suggesting that by 2030 it will be 74.7 million metric tons, and the annual worldwide generation of e-waste will expand by around 30 percent (statista.com, 2023). Figure 1 explains growth trend of Global E-waste till 2030.

Figure 1.

The digital revolution has transformed the way people live, communicate, and connect with others across the globe. We are currently living in a remarkable era of technological progress, characterized by a generation deeply enamored with technology. Our lives are filled with a multitude of devices, ranging from household appliances to computers, laptops, and ever-evolving smart phones. People frequently replace their gadgets, almost as often as they update their wardrobes. Each time a new and improved version becomes available, old devices are discarded in favor of new ones. Have you ever stopped to ponder the staggering amount of electronic waste generated by the global population? And, perhaps more importantly, where does all this electronic waste end up?