E-scrap is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, according to the UN

Europe is the third largest generator of e-scrap in the world, behind China and the Americas. It also has the highest collection and recycling rates of e-scrap, at 42.5%. The European Union has two directives in place to govern the management of e-scrap – the WEEE Directive and the RoHS Directive – which aim to encourage the proper management of e-scrap and the recovery of valuable materials.

Who

The UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report warns that the rapid growth of e-scrap, or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), is a cause for concern.

Why it matters

E-scrap contains a complex mix of materials, including hazardous substances and valuable raw materials. If not managed properly, e-scrap can pose a threat to the environment and human health. At the same time, e-scrap contains valuable materials such as metals and other raw materials that can be recovered and recycled.

E-scrap processors use a variety of technologies to recover valuable materials from e-scrap, including shredding, sorting and refining processes. The goal of e-scrap processors is to recover valuable materials as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, while also ensuring that hazardous materials are safely removed.

The UN report emphasizes the importance of proper e-scrap management, both for protecting the environment and recovering valuable resources. As the amount of e-scrap continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to implement effective e-scrap management strategies.