Business PickupAs digital devices have become central to nearly every aspect of our lives, the issue of electronic waste, or e-waste, is becoming increasingly urgent. From smartphones and tablets to larger devices like servers, the disposal of outdated or non-functional electronics poses significant environmental challenges. E-waste is not only one of the fastest-growing types of waste but also one of the most complex to manage due to its toxic components and limited recycling options.
Below, we’ll explore the current state of e-waste and predict the key trends that will shape its future over the next decade.
Growing volumes of e-waste
Despite efforts to promote sustainability, e-waste is projected to continue growing in the coming decade due to the rapid pace of technological innovation and the shortening lifespan of devices. In 2022, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated across the globe, a figure that is expected to increase as tech adoption rises across developing economies.
Prediction:
Within the next decade, we may see a substantial increase in e-waste to around 75 million metric tonnes per year. In addition to the factors above, this spike will be spurred by the global transition to smart cities, the Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable technologies, all of which involve the frequent upgrading and replacing of devices.
Remote work and related challenges
With the recent shift in workforce patterns including more work-from-home arrangements, businesses are seeing an uptick in their employees’ personal device usage. While this may contribute to a reduced volume of workplace e-waste overall, it creates certain corporate device management challenges. For example, businesses must ensure employees’ personal devices are managed properly when they leave the company or the device becomes obsolete to avoid any risks of data breaches.
Prediction:
Organizations with remote or hybrid work arrangements will have to adopt IT asset disposition strategies to ensure employees’ personal devices are managed properly, and that any risks of data leaks are mitigated. With these challenges come new opportunities for corporate recycling programs and e-waste strategies to emerge. Such programs will need to be standardized and incorporated into employees’ onboarding and offboarding protocols.
Circular economy models & increased producer responsibility
Recently, we’ve begun to see momentum in favor of a circular economy. This approach focuses on designing products to last longer, be repaired, or be recycled efficiently, aiming to minimize waste. With a circular model, devices are created with recycling and reusability in mind, reducing the need for virgin materials and curbing e-waste generation.
Additionally, governments worldwide are beginning to implement stricter regulations around e-waste, often requiring manufacturers to take on more responsibility for the disposal or recycling of their products. These policies, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, aim to encourage manufacturers to design products with end-of-life management in mind.
Prediction:
Ideally, governments and tech companies will increasingly adopt circular economy principles, leading to more regulations on product life extension, modular design, and easy repairability. EPR regulations will also become more common across the globe, with stricter penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, major tech companies may be required to manage their e-waste more actively by offering take-back programs and recycling options. As countries introduce incentives for recycling and repair, we’ll likely see more partnerships between governments and companies to develop sustainable e-waste solutions.
Advancements in recycling technology
Today, only a small percentage of global e-waste is formally recycled. One of the primary challenges in e-waste management is the presence of complex materials like lithium, rare earth elements, and toxic substances, which make the recycling process difficult and costly. However, new recycling technologies are emerging to tackle these issues.
Prediction:
Over the next decade, advancements in robotics, AI, and chemical processes will make e-waste recycling more efficient and accessible. In turn, this will drive the formal recycling rate. To be successful, however, these initiatives require consumers, organizations, and lawmakers to do their part in facilitating electronics recycling.
Growth of the refurbished electronics market
Recently, refurbished electronics have become increasingly popular, driven by cost- and eco-conscious consumers. The market for pre-owned electronics, particularly smartphones, laptops, and tablets, is expected to grow significantly in the next decade as the stigma around “used” devices diminishes.
Prediction:
With the rise of e-commerce platforms dedicated to selling refurbished devices and an increasing focus on sustainability, the refurbished electronics market could expand rapidly in the coming decade. This growth would reduce demand for new devices, potentially slowing down the rate at which e-waste is generated.
The next decade is likely to be a transformative period for e-waste management, and Quantum looks forward to maintaining our position as a leader in electronics recycling and refurbishment. Find out how we can help your organization manage its unwanted devices securely and effectively here.