WHAT ARE COUNTRIES DOING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
"One person’s waste can be another’s raw material. The challenge of dealing with e-waste represents an important step in the transition to a green economy. This report outlines smart new technologies and mechanisms which, combined with national and international policies, can transform waste into assets, creating new businesses with decent green jobs. In the process, countries can help cut pollution linked with mining and manufacturing, and with the disposal of old devices.”
-Konrad Osterwalder, UN Under-Secretary General and Rector of UNU
Success Stories : How To Win the Battle Against E-Wastes?
On A Global Level : The Success of Switzerland
Despite being one of the biggest global producers of e-waste – producing 184 kilotons in 2016 – the country collects and recycles roughly 75 percent of this discarded material, with 134 kilotonnes recovered in 2015. When it comes specifically to digital e-waste (for example, mobile phones and other devices), the recycling rate in 2018 was as high as 95 percent. This is thanks to a strong and convenient voluntary ‘take-back’ system, where consumers can take e-waste to a dedicated recycling collection point or any electronic shop that sells the same type of equipment throughout the country.
Youth-led Campaigns : WeCareDXB
A Dubai-based 15-year-old Indian girl has launched a campaign, which helped in the recycling of 25 tonnes of electronic waste in the Gulf nation. While shifting to a new house a few years ago, Tulpule found lots of disused electronics while helping her mom clear out drawers. This sparked the beginning of her campaign 'WeCareDXB' that she said has collected over 25 tonnes of e-waste for recycling in over four years.
Social Enterprises : RECYCLA Chile
RECYCLA Chile was the first company in Latin America to recycle electronic waste properly. RECYCLA has rapidly grown since its inception. In 2006 RECYCLA began to generate a profit as more companies want to collect and dismantle their e-waste. RECYCLA has also entered into agreements with social organizations that have programs to provide impoverished citizens with computers. To assist these organizations in bridging the digital divide, RECYCLA receives and dismantles these computers.
Situation of E-Waste Around the World :
