2017 Is Going to Be a Record-Breaking Year for Global E-Waste

2017 marks a significant increase in global e-waste. Learn about the impact, recycling efforts, and how residents can contribute to responsible disposal.

The Growing E-Waste Crisis

The global rate of cell phone disposal is staggering, currently sitting at 350,000 pieces a day, and this number is expected to climb. The life cycle of consumer electronic products continues to decrease, driven by slimmer profit margins and an increasing emphasis on replacement. As we approach 2017, the necessity for effective recycling, manufacturing, and disposal tools to manage e-waste is at an all-time high. This is especially concerning as the planet is entering a critical period marked by significant increases in e-waste generation.

The Impact of Economic Mobility

Much of the impending increase in e-waste is linked to economic mobility and the rising number of individuals entering the middle class in emerging economies. According to an article by The Guardian, literal mountains of e-waste are forming in countries like China. The report highlights a staggering 16 million tonnes of electronic trash generated in just one year, marking a 63% increase over five years. This alarming statistic reflects the growing consumer culture in Asia.

Sources of E-Waste

While a significant portion of e-waste is recycled in Asia, many items are handled by informal waste pickers who resort to hazardous methods such as hammering and burning to recover reusable metals for profit. The economic incentive is substantial; for instance, the amount of gold and silver extracted from discarded cell phones in the United States alone is valued at approximately $60 million annually. However, these practices lead to severe pollution and health risks for communities involved.

Predictions for 2017

The year 2017 is shaping up to be monumental for e-waste. Experts predict that the total volume of discarded refrigerators, TVs, cell phones, computers, monitors, and other electronic waste will weigh nearly as much as 200 Empire State Buildings combined. Projections suggest an increase of a third in e-waste generation, escalating from 53.9 million tons in 2012 to an estimated 72.09 million tons by the end of 2017.

Regional Contributions to E-Waste

The United States is the leading contributor to global e-waste, generating 10.36 million tons in 2016, followed closely by China at 8.05 million tons. Notably, mobile phones represent the most commonly discarded electronic devices in the U.S. and this trend is expected to continue growing.

Addressing E-Waste Responsibly

With the rise in e-waste, it is crucial to implement responsible disposal and recycling practices. In Ottawa, Junk That Funk is committed to hosting free community e-waste recycling events, providing residents and businesses with an environmentally friendly solution to their electronic waste. These events are designed to encourage proper disposal and promote awareness about the importance of recycling e-waste.

How You Can Help

As individuals, we can contribute to reducing e-waste through responsible behavior. Here are a few steps you can take:

Learn More About Our Services

At Junk That Funk, we provide comprehensive junk removal services that include e-waste disposal. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your electronic waste is handled safely and responsibly. For more information about our services, visit our pricing page or book a pickup today.

Join the Fight Against E-Waste

The growing e-waste crisis is a challenge that requires collective effort. By staying informed and participating in local recycling initiatives, we can make a significant impact. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below. To learn more about how we’re different, visit our about page.

For immediate assistance, call us at (613) 884-0456 or book online to schedule your junk removal service today!

By Chris — Junk That Funk Blog