The weight of electronic waste at a record level in 2014
Latribune.fr 19 / 04 / 2015,
The weight of "e-waste" reached a record 41,8 million tonnes in 2014. Per capita, Norway produces the greatest amount of waste. But in volume China and the USA represent 32% of the world total.
The weight of electrical and electronic waste, or "e-waste", reached a record in the world in 2014, at 41,8 million tonnes, against 39,8 million in 2013, indicates a report published this Sunday, April 19.
Near 60% of these products were kitchen, bathroom or laundry equipment, according to this study published by the United Nations University (UNU). Some 7% were mobile phones, calculators, laptops or printers.
According to the study, Norway is the country with the largest amount of e-waste per capita, with 28,4 kg, followed by Switzerland (26,3 kg) and Iceland (26,1 kg). France arrives in 8 position, with 22,2 kg per inhabitant.
The region that generates the least e-waste is Africa, with an estimated rejection of 1,7 kg per capita. In total, the continent produced 1,9 million tons of this waste.
United States and China: 32% of world e-waste share
But in terms of volume this time, it is the United States and China that lead, with both 32% of the global share of e-waste, followed by Japan, Germany and India .
Less than one-sixth of this waste has been properly recycled, the study also points out. However, they contain valuable resources such as iron, copper, or gold: for 2014, this waste had an estimated value of 48 billion.
"Globally, e-waste constitutes a precious + urban mine + - a large potential reservoir of recyclable materials", underlines David Malone, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Rector of the UNU.
They also contained 2,2 million tonnes of dangerous components, such as mercury, cadmium or chromium, a "+ toxic mine" that must be managed with extreme care, "warns Mr. Malone.
The cap of 50 million tonnes of annual electrical and electronic waste should be reached in 2018
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