Chapter 2 - Global scenario of E-waste generation: trends and future predictions

Abstract

The continual and unprecedented consumer demand for electrical and electronic equipment’s (EEEs) coupled with their accelerated product obsolescence age due to the rapid advances in technology has led to an increased generation of waste EEE or electronic waste (E-waste) worldwide. A major portion of the global E-waste is generated from developed economies with highly saturated markets for EEEs. Furthermore, the E-waste problem in emerging economies is compounded by the illegal transboundary export of E-waste in considerable quantities by some developed and industrialized countries. Increased generation of E-waste, its associated toxicity, and indiscriminate disposal make it a global environmental concern. Several drivers of increased E-waste generation include population, the wealth of masses in terms of per capita purchasing power, technological advancement, and product obsolescence age. The assessment of E-waste generation and its future prediction are of immense importance for effective E-waste management and recycling and setting goals for the future. Furthermore, these goals are likely to help formulate plans and strategies for recycling activities to achieve a circular economy and minimize the landfill load. In this context, the chapter intends to provide a recent assessment of global E-waste generation distributed into various major regions and countries of the world. Furthermore, the global E-waste generation classifying into various standard types of EEE is also presented. Moreover, the drivers and factors affecting E-waste generation are summarized. Lastly, a future prediction estimate in global E-waste generation has been made based on the current generation with historical trends using a suitable statistical technique.