The UN has revealed that the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling initiatives. Embedded in this e-waste are over 30 billion kilograms of metals valued at USD 91 billion.
Seen as the new source of “green gold,” e-waste shows a lucrative opportunity when processed right. In 2022, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled, leaving USD 62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for, posing increased pollution risks to communities globally.
Bearing this in mind, there is significant economic potential in the world's electronic waste, as discarded items contain valuable materials such as copper, gold, iron, aluminum, and other minerals and rare earth elements (REE) that can be extracted.
Why E-Waste Should Be Handled Better
Combatting climate change and powering modern innovation will require a significant amount of metals. Mining these metals harms ecosystems and communities due to the damage and pollution they cause.
This is why it is important to address a valuable source we're overlooking: the enormous amount of electronic waste produced each year.
Two of the most recyclable metals in e-waste are aluminum and copper, both of which are crucial for low- and zero-carbon technologies and the energy transition. However, in 2022, only 60% of the estimated 4 million metric tons of aluminum and 2 million metric tons of copper in e-waste were recycled.
On the other hand, REEs are crucial metals due to their supply risks and increasing demand across many industries. The IEA estimates that the demand for neodymium alone could reach 850,000 tons by 2030. If supply doesn't keep up with this demand, we can expect price spikes for neodymium, which could, in turn, increase the cost of wind power and electric vehicle batteries.
It is estimated that there were 7,248 metric tons of neodymium locked away in e-waste in 2022.
According to UNITAR’s Kees Baldé, “No more than 1% of demand for essential rare earth elements is met by e-waste recycling. Simply put: ‘Business as usual’ can't continue.”
This issue stems from underdeveloped recycling technologies and the high costs and difficulties of collecting these components from old tech.
Thus, recycling precious metals from e-waste is crucial for sustainable development, as it reduces the environmental impact of mining and helps conserve natural resources.
Innovations in E-Waste Recycling and Rare Earth Recovery
Currently, only about one-fifth of the world's e-waste is recycled. This amount has nearly doubled over the past 12 years and is expected to rise to 82 billion kg by 2030.
In light of this, a report from the World Economic Forum was released, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to push industries towards a circular economy.
“Improved e-waste management could result in a global net positive of USD 38 billion, representing a significant economic opportunity while addressing climate change and health impacts," said Ruediger Kuehr, Senior Manager, Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, UNITAR.
The retrieval of valuable metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium from discarded electronic devices forms an integral part of recycling electronic waste, and it requires specialized equipment and expertise to extract the metals safely and efficiently.
Working with certified e-waste recycling companies that adhere to best practices in terms of handling and processing e-waste is essential, especially when it comes to ensuring the safe recovery of precious metals while protecting human health and the environment.
The recycling process required to recover precious metals involves collecting and sorting e-waste, then using techniques like chemical leaching, smelting, and electrolysis.
It has been noted that REEs are always found in compound form in natural ores and are hard to separate due to their chemical similarity. Traditional separation methods are very chemical- and energy-intensive and require multiple extraction steps.
In response, scientists from ETH Zürich are developing a process inspired by nature that efficiently recovers europium, a type of REE, from old fluorescent lamps. The approach could lead to the long-awaited recycling of rare earth metals which are indispensable for the modern economy.
The team of researchers, led by Victor Mougel, are deliberately focusing on recycling the raw materials, as this makes much more ecological and economic sense. “Our recycling approach is significantly more environmentally friendly than all conventional methods for extracting rare earth metals from mineral ores,” says Mougel.
A recent study by ETH Zürich presents a simple method for efficiently separating and recovering europium from complex mixtures of rare earth metals. The team is now working on adapting this process for other rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium (found in magnets).
Additionally, The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) used a simple mixed-salt solution to separate valuable minerals in flowing reaction chambers. In February 2024, they successfully separated neodymium and dysprosium, which are typically hard to distinguish. This breakthrough could create new opportunities for recovering these essential rare earth elements from e-waste.
Apart from that, innovative recycling techniques like hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy help recover precious metals from circuit boards while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional mining.
Without a doubt, technology is, and will continue, to transform e-waste management. For instance, blockchain can track e-waste throughout its lifecycle, and new AI-driven advancements like automated sorting systems and eco-friendly extraction methods improve resource recovery and reduce waste.
From Disposal to Responsibility
Sustainable e-waste management is crucial for reducing environmental harm and protecting human health, preventing the problems caused by improper disposal and promoting the responsible handling and recycling of electronics.
For companies, adopting these practices is important for cutting emissions and building a strong brand reputation through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
For example, as part of its CSR strategy, Zain KSA has recently signed a strategic partnership with Ertiqa to roll out the second phase of its e-waste management and recycling campaign which aims to boost investment in the electronic waste management industry by recycling over 5,000 electronic devices.
Additionally, as part of its environmental sustainability action, Zain KSA was one of the first companies to support the “Recycle Your Device” e-waste recycling campaign launched by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), previously known as CITC.
Similarly, Ericsson’s global product “Take-Back Program” aims to further its collaboration efforts to drive the responsible disposal and recycling of e-waste across the Group’s network.
The best way to address e-waste is to reduce its generation. Encouraging a “buy less, use longer” mindset and promoting durable, repairable devices can cut e-waste significantly. Manufacturers should also focus on eco-design, creating products that are easier to disassemble, repair, and upgrade to extend their lifespan.
As part of sustainable approaches, there must be programs dedicated to refurbishing and repurposing electronics, making them available to individuals or organizations in need.
Research indicates that the UAE is among the leading producer of e-waste, but the government has launched several initiatives to manage its volume through secure channels, in collaboration with private sector organizations. In line with this, the Waste-to-Zero initiative, introduced at COP28 UAE, is set to be a joint effort between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) through which both entities strive to decarbonize waste.
In Egypt, the E-Tadweer mobile app already addresses e-waste by allowing users to drop off old appliances at designated points in exchange for vouchers to buy new electronics from participating stores, while in Saudi Arabia, CST partnered with ITU in a landmark global initiative to develop E-Waste Management Regulations.
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