According to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report, there were 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste worldwide in 2019.
E-waste is said to be the world’s fastest growing domestic waste stream given higher consumption rates of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) globally.
By 2030, experts estimate that the amount of e-waste in the world will exceed 74 million metric tonnes.
Global e-waste is increasing at an alarming rate.
What is E-waste?
E-waste includes a wide range of electrical or electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful life.
We use them to manage our homes, businesses, transport, health, security and energy generation.
As we move towards a more connected and technologically advanced world, we use more electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
EEE turns into e-waste once they are discarded as waste without any intent of reuse. Imagine your first cellular phone in grade school, or your old chunky computer monitor.
When e-waste is not disposed and recycled properly, it can cause major environmental and health problems.
How do we properly handle e-waste?
Because e-waste contain toxic chemicals and hazardous materials, we should not just throw them in the trash casually.
Often times, our old devices still has useful components (like metal, glass, minerals) that can be recycled and turned into new electronic parts of products.
Here are 6 tips you can follow when you handle your e-waste:
1. Before disposing, think of all the potential ways you or other people can reuse the electronic equipment.
2. Read the product manual for end-of-life handling information.
3. Before disposal, remove all of your personal information in the device.
4. Separate detachable parts like batteries. Batteries should be disposed and recycled separately.
5. Ensure that any breakable component, like glass, is protected from breakage.
6. Contact authorized or credible collection centers for proper waste disposal. Turn over the e-waste properly.
Did you know that you can properly dispose your e-waste in SM Supermalls?
This program aims to encourage SM mall visitors to bring their old gadgets and other e-waste for proper disposal by accredited hazardous waste collection partners.
Customers can bring their e-waste every day during mall hours.
Here is a list of participating malls.
Source: SM Cares
