GLOBAL E-WASTE MONITOR 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: According to the Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling.

The Global E-waste Monitor 2024

• About: It offers the latest statistics and data on electronic waste worldwide, providing insights into the magnitude and trends of this environmental issue since 2014.
• Collaborative effort led by: Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP) in conjunction with Fondation Carmignac, a corporate foundation, highlighting a joint commitment to addressing e-waste challenges.

Findings of Global E-waste Monitor 2024

• E-waste Production Surge: A record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022, marking an 82% increase from 2010.

oProjections indicate a further 32% rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030.

• Rare Earth Element Recycling: Only 1% of rare earth element demand is met by e-waste recycling, highlighting a significant gap in resource utilization.
• Recycling Efforts: Less than one quarter (22.3%) of the year’s e-waste mass was documented as properly collected and recycled in 2022.
• Per-capita E-waste Generation: Europe (17.6 kg), Oceania (16.1 kg), India (2.9 kg/capita) and the Americas (14.1 kg) recorded the highest per capita e-waste generation in 2022.

E-Waste

• Definition: E-waste encompasses electronic devices that have reached the end of their useful life or are no longer wanted by the owner. 

oThese devices may contain hazardous substances and valuable resources.

• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

oExtended Producer Responsibility (EPR): It emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility, holding manufacturers, importers, and brand owners accountable for managing e-waste.

oFocus: The rules focus on establishing efficient collection mechanisms to ensure proper disposal of e-waste, reducing illegal dumping.