Todays E-waste World

The world is creating electronic waste—such as old phones, laptops, and TVs—much faster than it is being recycled. In 2022, we produced 62 million tonnes of e-waste, which is 82% more than in 2010. Only 22% of that waste was properly collected and recycled, while the rest was lost or dumped, wasting $62 billion worth of valuable materials.

E-waste contains toxic substances like mercury that can harm both the environment and human health. If nothing changes, global e-waste is expected to grow to 82 million tonnes by 2030, while recycling rates may drop to just 20%. This growing problem is driven by people buying and replacing electronics more often, products becoming harder to repair, shorter product lifespans, and poor waste management systems.

The UN reports that if countries could raise recycling rates to 60% by 2030, the world would gain huge economic and health benefits, saving more than $38 billion.

The world also remains highly dependent on a few countries for rare earth materials—metals essential for green technologies like electric cars and solar panels—yet only about 1% of these valuable elements are recovered from e-waste.

18 Actions That Can Help

Governments & Policymakers

1. Create or strengthen e-waste laws to require proper recycling.
2. Offer further support to achieve national recycling targets.
3. Continue to track progress.
4. Invest in recycling facilities and safe waste collection systems.
5. Encourage eco-design – make products easier to repair, reuse, and recycle.
6. Ban illegal e-waste exports to developing countries.

Manufacturers & Companies

1. Design for durability and repairability (longer product life).
2. Offer take-back or recycling programs for old devices.
3. Use recycled materials in new products.
4. Provide spare parts and repair manuals to consumers.

Individuals & Consumers

1. Repair before replacing electronic devices.
2. Donate or resell working electronics instead of throwing them away.
3. Recycle properly at certified e-waste collection centers.
4. Buy refurbished or energy-efficient electronics.
5. Reduce gadget upgrades — use what you have longer.

Global & Community Efforts

1. Increase awareness about e-waste dangers and recycling options.
2. Support circular economy initiatives – reuse, repair, recycle.
3. Encourage global cooperation to share recycling technology and expertise.

You can read the report here.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle It offer services to homes, communities and organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie