Common E-Waste Items:
- Consumer electronics: phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, computer monitors, TVs.
- Audio/video gear: speakers, radios, DVD/Blu-ray players, camcorders.
- Household appliances powered by electricity: microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers.
- Additional equipment: power tools, lighting equipment (especially LED fixtures, bulbs), wiring/cables, chargers.
- Accessories and small electrical items: cables, chargers, mice, keyboards, game consoles, wearable tech.
Why does it matter?
- Many electronic items contain valuable materials (e.g., gold, silver, copper) that can be recovered rather than wasted.
- They may also contain hazardous substances (mercury, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants), which should not go to standard landfills.
- Data security: if devices have storage (hard drives, memory cards, etc.), you should wipe or remove data before recycling.
- Some items may not be accepted at certain drop-off locations (especially large items, hazardous components, items from businesses), so always check.
Key Facts:
- E-waste is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world.
- In 2022, an estimated 62 million tons of e-waste were produced globally. Only 22.3%
- was documented as formally collected and recycled.
- Lead is a common substance released into the environment when e-waste is recycled, stored or dumped using informal activities, including open burning.
- Informal e-waste recycling activities may have several adverse health effects. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
- ILO and WHO estimate that millions of women and child laborers working in the informal recycling sector globally may be at risk of hazardous e-waste exposures.
Sources: World Health Organization
