Global E-waste Surging: Up 21 per cent in 5 Years

A record 53.6 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced globally in 2019 — the weight of 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2; $57 billion in gold and other components discarded — mostly dumped or burned.

@YASSYNSIDKI_PHOTOGRAPHY

2 July 2020 - A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21 per cent in just five years, according to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020, released today.

The new report also predicts global e-waste - discarded products with a battery or plug - will reach 74 Mt by 2030, almost a doubling of e-waste in just 16 years. This makes e-waste the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, fueled mainly by higher consumption rates of electric and electronic equipment, short life cycles, and few options for repair.

Only 17.4 per cent of 2019’s e-waste was collected and recycled. This means that gold, silver, copper, platinum and other high-value, recoverable materials conservatively valued at US $57 billion -- a sum greater than the Gross Domestic Product of most countries – were mostly dumped or burned rather than being collected for treatment and reuse.

According to the report, Asia generated the greatest volume of e-waste in 2019 — some 24.9 Mt, followed by the Americas (13.1 Mt) and Europe (12 Mt), while Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 Mt and 0.7 Mt respectively.

For perspective, last year’s e-waste weighed substantially more than all the adults in Europe, or as much as 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2, enough to form a line 125 km long.

E-waste is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which damages the human brain and / or coordination system.

Other key findings from the Global E-waste Monitor 2020

Proper e-waste management can help mitigate global warming. In 2019, an estimated 98 Mt of CO2-equivalents were released into the atmosphere from discarded fridges and air-conditioners, contributing roughly 0.3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions

In per capita terms, last year’s discarded e-waste averaged 7.3 kg for every man, woman and child on Earth
Europe ranked first worldwide in terms of e-waste generation per capita with 16.2 kg per capita. Oceania came second (16.1 kg) followed by the Americas (13.3 kg). Asia and Africa were much lower: 5.6 and 2.5 kg respectively

E-waste is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which damages the human brain and / or coordination system. An estimated 50 tonnes of mercury — used in monitors, PCBs and fluorescent and energy-saving light sources — are contained in undocumented flows of e-waste annually
E-waste in 2019 was mainly comprised of small equipment (17.4 Mt), large equipment (13.1 Mt), and temperature exchange equipment (10.8 Mt). Screens and monitors, lamps, small IT, and telecommunication equipment represented 6.7 Mt, 4.7 Mt, and 0.9 Mt respectively
Since 2014 the e-waste categories increasing fastest in total weight terms: temperature exchange equipment (+7 per cent), large equipment (+5 per cent), lamps and small equipment (+4 per cent). According to the report, this trend is driven by the growing consumption of those products in lower income countries, where those products improve the living standards. Small IT and telecommunication equipment have been growing more slowly, and screens and monitors have shown a slight decrease (-1 per cent), explained largely by lighter flat panel displays replacing heavy CRT monitors and screens
Since 2014, the number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation or regulation in place has increased from 61 to 78. While a positive trend, this is far from the target set by the International Telecommunication Union which is to raise the percentage of countries with an e-waste legislation to 50 per cent

The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 (www.globalewaste.org) is a collaborative product of the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP), formed by UN University (UNU), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), in close collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) also substantially contributed to this year’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

Comments

“The findings of this year's UNU-affiliated Global E-waste Monitor suggest that humanity is not sufficiently implementing the SDGs. Substantially greater efforts are urgently required to ensure smarter and more sustainable global production, consumption, and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. This report contributes mightily to the sense of urgency in turning around this dangerous global pattern.” - David M. Malone, Rector United Nations University (UNU) & UN Under Secretary General

“Far more electronic waste is generated than is being safely recycled in most parts of the world. More cooperative efforts are required to make aware of this increasing issue and take appropriate countermeasures supplement by appropriate research and training. I am pleased that UNITAR now joins this important Global E-waste Statistics Partnership of UNU, ITU and ISWA, illustrating how valuable these activities are.” - Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) & UN Assistant Secretary-General

‘’The Global E-waste Monitor highlights the pressing issue of e-waste management in today’s digitally connected world in that the way we produce, consume, and dispose of electronic devices has become unsustainable. Monitoring e-waste streams will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and tracking the implementation of the ITU Connect 2030 Agenda. The Monitor serves as a valuable resource for governments to improve their global e-waste recycling rate by developing the necessary/needed/required e-waste policies and legislation. ITU will continue to support the efforts made in this report towards the global response required in identifying solutions for e-waste.” - Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

“E-waste quantities are rising 3 times faster than the world’s population and 13 per cent faster than the world’s GDP during the last five years. This sharp rise creates substantial environmental and health pressures and demonstrates the urgency to combine the fourth industrial revolution with circular economy. The fourth industrial revolution either will advance a new circular economy approach for our economies or it will stimulate further resource depletion and new pollution waves. The progress achieved in e-waste monitoring by the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership is a sign of hope that the world can manage not only to monitor closely the e-waste rise but also to control their impacts and set up proper management schemes” - Antonis Mavropoulos, President, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)

“Informal and improper e-waste recycling is a major emerging hazard silently affecting our health and that of future generations. One in four children are dying from avoidable environmental exposures. One in four children could be saved, if we take action to protect their health and ensure a safe environment. WHO is pleased to join forces in this new Global E-waste Monitor to allow evidence, information about health impacts and joint solutions and policies to be made available to protect our future generations’ health.” - Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO)

Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #eWaste

Media contacts

Terry Collins, +1 416 878 8712; tc@tca.tc
Ruediger Kuehr, Director UNU-ViE SCYCLE, +49 228 815 0213/4, kuehr@vie.unu.edu
Monika Gehner, Head Strategic Communication Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Phone: +41 22 730 5459, Press line: +41 22 730 6039, E-mail: pressinfo@itu.int
Georgiana Olivier, Communications Manager, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), +31 636 06 41 83, golivier@iswa.org

About the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP)

The GESP helps countries compile useful national policy-making statistics using an internationally-recognized harmonized measurement framework. The GESP convenes policy makers, statisticians, and industry representatives to enhance the quality, and their understanding and interpretation of e-waste data. At the global level, the GESP contributes to the monitoring of relevant waste streams, measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals 11.6, 12.4 and 12.5. The GESP allows international organizations, such as the ITU, to measure progress towards their goals. In 2018, the ITU established a target to increase the global e-waste recycling rate to 30 per cent by 2023 — a 12.6 per cent increase from today’s global average.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. For more information, visit: www.itu.int.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an autonomous organ of the UN General Assembly dedicated to generating and transferring knowledge and strengthening capacities relevant to global issues of human security, development, and welfare. The University operates through a worldwide network of research and training centres and programmes, coordinated by UNU Centre in Tokyo.

The Bonn, Germany-based Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, co-hosted by UNU’s Vice Rectorate in Europe and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), provides world-class research and action on e-waste. SCYCLE aims to enable societies to reduce the environmental burden caused by the production, consumption and disposal of ubiquitous goods.

About the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

As a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors. With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports Governments to implement the 2030 Agenda.

About the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)

The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) is a global, independent and non-profit making association, working in the public interest promoting sustainable, comprehensive and professional waste management and the transition to a circular economy. ISWA is open to individuals and organisations from the scientific community, public institutions as well as and public and private companies from all over the world working in the field of or interested in waste management. ISWA is the only worldwide waste association that enables its members to network with professionals, companies and institutional representatives.

Media coverage

Medium, United States

Humans created a record 53.6M metric tons of e-waste last year https://medium.com/predict/humans-created-a-record-53-6m-metric-tons-of-e-waste-last-year-40ce85c19bb2

Forbes, United States

Our Electrical Device Addiction Is Killing The Planet. Here’s What We Can Do About It https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrvetter/2020/07/16/our-electrical-device-addiction-is-killing-the-planet-heres-what-we-can-do-about-it/

The Hill, United States

Customers shouldn't be responsible for e-waste — producers should be https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/507018-customers-shouldnt-be-responsible-for-e-waste-producers-should-be

Kompas, Indonesia

Limbah Elektronik Dunia Catat Rekor Tertinggi 53,6 Juta Ton https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2020/07/09/15180087/limbah-elektronik-dunia-catat-rekor-tertinggi-53-6-juta-ton

Business Insider, United States

The world threw away $57 billion in gold, silver, copper found in E-waste https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/news/the-world-threw-away-$57-billion-in-gold--silver--copper-found-in-e-waste-9048034

ABC News, Australia

Pacific: Growing problem of e-waste https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/global-and-pacific-e-waste-growing/12432844

Futura-Sciences, France

Les déchets électroniques ont augmenté de 21 % en 5 ans https://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/actualites/pollution-dechets-electroniques-ont-augmente-21-5-ans-81825/

The Good Men Project Magazine, United States

Could Mining Gold From Waste Reduce Its Great Cost? https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/could-mining-gold-from-waste-reduce-its-great-cost/

כלכליסט עמוד הבית, Israel

היקף הפסולת האלקטרונית הגיע ב-2019 לשיא של כל הזמנים: 53.6 מיליון טון https://www.calcalist.co.il/world/articles/0,7340,L-3838357,00.html

Adnkronos, Italy

Troppo rifiuti elettronici, nel 2019 è record in tutto il mondo https://www.adnkronos.com/sostenibilita/risorse/2020/07/08/troppo-rifiuti-elettronici-nel-record-tutto-mondo_2Yi67kNbs3FAdc43DVMWrI.html

Tagesanzeiger, Switzerland

Herausforderung Elektroschrott – Vom Schrott elektrisiert https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/vom-schrott-elektrisiert-174892025347

The Punch - Nigeria, Nigeria

Nigeria generated 461,300 tonnes of e-waste in 2019 – UN https://punchng.com/nigeria-generated-461300-tonnes-of-e-waste-in-2019-un/

Wired.it, Italy

Non abbiamo mai prodotto così tanti rifiuti elettronici https://www.wired.it/attualita/ambiente/2020/07/14/rifiuti-elettronici-record-e-waste/

TechRepublic, United States

Global e-waste is up 21% in 5 years, causing serious environmental harm https://www.techrepublic.com/article/global-e-waste-is-up-21-in-5-years-causing-serious-environmental-harm/

Of note, re. GEM 2017:
Nature, United Kingdom

Research and development priorities for silicon photovoltaic module recycling to support a circular economy https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-020-0645-2

ANSA , Italy (16,002,641)

Record di rifiuti elettronici, 53 milioni di t nel 2019 https://www.ansa.it/canale_ambiente/notizie/rifiuti_e_riciclo/2020/07/03/record-di-rifiuti-elettronici-53-milioni-di-t-nel-2019_1b164d33-3e8a-4d8c-9bd1-f133eb058616.html

Fox News , USA (346M)

Humans generated record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2019 https://www.foxnews.com/tech/humans-generated-record-breaking-amount-of-electronic-waste-in-2019

La Repubblica , Italy (26,725,766)

Rifiuti elettronici, il 2019 è stato un anno record. Ma solo il 17 % viene riciclato https://www.repubblica.it/tecnologia/2020/07/03/news/rifiuti_elettronici_il_2019_e_stato_un_anno_record_ma_solo_il_17_viene_riciclato-260882407/

G1 - Globo , Brazil (78,444,573)

Montanha de lixo eletrônico não para de crescer no mundo https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2020/07/05/montanha-de-lixo-eletronico-nao-para-de-crescer-no-mundo.html

La Vanguardia , Spain (36,756,340)

Los miles de millones (en oro, plata incluidos) que perdemos en la basura electrónica https://www.lavanguardia.com/natural/20200703/482060915472/mala-gestion-escaso-reciclaje-residuos-electronicos-ewaste-provoca-millones-perdidas-oro-plata.html

FAZ , Germany (16,766,529)

Wenig wird recycelt: Mehr Elektroschrott als je zuvor https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/mehr-elektroschrott-als-je-zuvor-16843050.html

N-TV , Germany (20,094,455)

Immer mehr Elektroschrott weltweit https://www.n-tv.de/wissen/Immer-mehr-Elektroschrott-weltweit-article21885953.html

Inquirer , Philippines (6,110,213)

E-waste levels surge 20% in 5 years, says UN https://technology.inquirer.net/101742/e-waste-levels-surge-20-in-5-years-says-un

News1 , Korea (5,882,424)

男 생식기능 갉아먹는 전자쓰레기 발생량 껑충 … 작년에만 5360 만톤 https://www.news1.kr/articles/?3984499

Yahoo! Indonesia News (from Berita Terkini)

Limbah Industri Elektronik Capai 53 Juta Ton pada 2019 https://id.berita.yahoo.com/limbah-industri-elektronik-capai-53-100011227.html

New Indian Express, India (5,563,225)

E-waste surges 21% in 5 yrs https://www.newindianexpress.com/specials/2020/jul/04/e-waste-surges-21-in-5-yrs-2165278.html

Deutsche Welle (Russian), Germany (2,512,993)

Что происходит со старыми электроприборами и чем они опасны?

Business Green, United Kingdom (41,248)

Global Briefing: UN shines spotlight on e-waste opportunity https://www.businessgreen.com/news-analysis/4017087/global-briefing-shines-spotlight-waste-opportunity

El Universal, Mexico (19,815,009)

Desechos electrónicos siguen aumentando y, con ellos, los riesgos https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/techbit/desechos-electronicos-siguen-aumentando-y-con-ellos-los-riesgos

自由時報電子報 , Taiwan Province of China (13,895,720)

去年全球電子垃圾逾 5000 萬噸 聯合國：亞洲生 產最多 https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3217150

Suara , Indonesia (22,284,191)

Duh! Limbah Elektronik Selama 2019 Tembus 53,6 Juta Ton https://www.suara.com/tekno/2020/07/05/180902/duh-limbah-elektronik-selama-2019-tembus-536-juta-ton

TV / Radio with video / audio

Euronews , France (16M)

We burn gold and platinum worth billions every year - what's the real value of electronic waste?

https://www.euronews.com/living/2020/07/03/we-burn-gold-and-platinum-worth-billions-every-year-what-s-the-real-value-of-electronic-wa?jwsource=cl

CBS4 and Fox 59, Indianapolis, USA

Study: World's pile of electronic waste grows ever higher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uId3XiSLaqg

BR 2 Radiowelt (German Radio) - https://www.br.de/radio/bayern2/programmkalender/ausstrahlung-2164056.html

Deutschlandfunk (German Radio)

Deutsche Welle, Germany

https://www.dw.com/de/wie-sich-elektroschrott-vermeiden-ließe/av-54030386

RAI TV , Italy

https://www.raiplay.it/video/2020/07/TELEGIORNALE-c314d6ad-ee67-4560-a039-7fa22bb9545a.html

World is One News , India

Global e-waste is up 21% in just 5 years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQkUx5MOYRU

TVNmeteo, Poland

Elektrośmieci zasypują Ziemię. [br]Tracą na tym wszyscy https://tvnmeteo.tvn24.pl/informacje-pogoda/swiat,27/elektrosmieci-zasypuja-ziemie-traca-na-tym-wszyscy,323524,1,0.html

Associated Press, United States via Washington Post, United States (84,894,651)

Study: World’s pile of electronic waste grows ever higher https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/study-worlds-pile-of-electronic-waste-grows-ever-higher/2020/07/02/2f8dd66e-bc6e-11ea-97c1-6cf116ffe26c_story.html

and New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/07/02/world/europe/ap-eu-electronic-waste.html?searchResultPosition=2

Reuters, United Kingdom (43,197,780)

World's e-waste 'unsustainable', says UN report citing China, India and U.S https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-waste-un-report/worlds-e-waste-unsustainable-says-un-report-citing-china-india-and-u-s-idUSKBN243255

Deutsche Presse Agentur, Germany

UN-Bericht: Weltweiter Berg an Elektroschrott wächst massiv https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/id_88165980/350-queen-mary-2-un-bericht-weltweiter-berg-an-elektroschrott-waechst-massiv.html
Stopp den Schrott! https://rp-online.de/kruschel/kindernachrichten/stopp-den-schrott_aid-51991747
Neuer Bericht bilanziert weltweites Elektroschrott-Problem https://www.onvista.de/news/neuer-bericht-bilanziert-weltweites-elektroschrott-problem-374245479

Agence France-Presse

E-waste levels surge 20% in 5 years – U.N. https://www.rappler.com/science-nature/environment/265555-united-nations-electronic-waste-levels-surge-2020

De plus en plus de déchets électroniques avertit l'ONU https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1224462/de-plus-en-plus-de-dechets-electroniques-avertit-lonu.html#:~:text=Seuls%2017%25%20des%2053%20millions,l'ONU%20sur%20le%20sujet.

Europa Press, Spain (8,644,401)

Los desechos electrónicos han aumentado de forma global un 21% en 5 años https://www.europapress.es/sociedad/medio-ambiente-00647/noticia-desechos-electronicos-aumentado-forma-global-21-anos-20200702160037.html

IndoAsian News Service, India

Global e-waste surges 21% in five years: UN report https://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a1058448.html

Press Trust of India (from AP)

Study World's pile of electronic waste grows ever higher https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2020/07/02/fgn53-world-ewaste-study.html

United Press International, United States

Global waste tied to electronic goods up 21 percent over the last 5 years, report says https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2020/07/02/Global-waste-tied-to-electronic-goods-up-21-percent-over-the-last-5-years-report-says/5311593697724/

InterPress Service , Italy

Global E-waste Surging: Up 21% in 5 Years http://www.ipsnews.net/2020/07/global-e-waste-surging-21-5-years/

Dutch: We gooien steeds meer elektronisch afval weg https://www.mo.be/nieuws/we-gooien-steeds-meer-elektronisch-afval-weg

Austria Presse Agentur , Austria

Der Elektroschrott wächst uns langsam über den Kopf https://www.news.at/a/un-bericht--weltweiter-berg-an-elektroschrott-massiv-angewachsen-11545844

SERVIMEDIA, Spain

La basura electrónica bate el récord de 53,6 millones de toneladas en 2019, según la ONU

http://www.diariosigloxxi.com/texto-s/mostrar/371781/basura-electronica-bate-record-536-millones-toneladas-2019-segun-onu MADRID, 02 ()\n\nLos residuos electrónicos llegaron el año pasado al récord de 53,6 millones de toneladas en todo el mundo, lo que ...

Anadolu Ajansı , Turkey

Global e-waste surges 21% in 5 years: UN report https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/global-e-waste-surges-21-in-5-years-un-report/1897694

Belga, Belgium

La quantité de déchets électroniques a augmenté de 21% en cinq ans, selon l'Onu https://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/belga/la-quantite-de-dechets-electroniques-a-augmente-de-21-en-cinq-ans-selon-l-onu-5efe0e059978e21bd0071dca

The Guardian , United Kingdom

$10bn of precious metals dumped each year in electronic waste, says UN https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/10bn-precious-metals-dumped-each-year-electronic-waste-un-toxic-e-waste-polluting

CGTN, Mainland China

Global e-waste surges to record high, recycling rate remains low https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-07-02/Global-e-waste-surges-to-record-high-recycling-rate-remains-low--RLRlccFAMo/index.html

Daily Mail , United Kingdom

Video: Experts warning over eye-watering 56.3 megatonnes of e-waste https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/sciencetech/video-2203080/Video-Experts-warning-eye-watering-56-3-megatonnes-e-waste.html
56.3 megatonnes of e-waste was produced in 2019, UN says https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8483361/56-3-megatonnes-e-waste-produced-2019-says.html

The Verge, United States

Humans left behind a record amount of e-waste in 2019 https://www.theverge.com/21309776/record-amount-ewaste-2019-global-report-environment-health

METRO UK, United Kingdom

As Brits sit on £16.5 billion of unused tech our e-waste is out of control https://metro.co.uk/2020/07/02/brits-are-sitting-16-5-billion-unused-tech-e-waste-getting-control-12933864/

Daum, Korea

EU Electronic Waste https://news.v.daum.net/v/20200702231727201

Fast Company, United States

We are throwing away a record 53.6 million metric tons of electronics https://www.fastcompany.com/90523524/we-are-throwing-away-a-record-53-6-million-metric-tons-of-electronics

Gizmodo, USA

Congrats, Humanity, We Trashed a Record Number of Electronics Last Year https://earther.gizmodo.com/congrats-humanity-we-trashed-a-record-number-of-elect-1844245290

Der Standard , Austria

Der weltweite Berg an Elektroschrott war zuletzt 53,6 Millionen Tonnen schwer https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000118467044/der-weltweite-berg-an-elektroschrott-war-zuletzt-53-6-millionen

Popmech , Russia

В 2019 году в мусор ушел драгоценный металл стоимостью в $10 млрд https://www.popmech.ru/science/news-595363-v-2019-godu-v-musor-ushel-dragocennyy-metall-stoimostyu-v-10-mlrd/

Media, Entertainment, Arts, WorldWide (Meaww), United States (2,851,063)

53.6M metric tonnes of e-waste, equaling weight of 350 cruise ships, generated globally in 2019: UN https://meaww.com/record-53-6-million-metric-tonnes-e-waste-health-environment-made-2019-un-452354

The Register, United Kingdom

UN warns of global e-waste wave as amount of gadgets dumped jumps 21% in 5 years https://www.theregister.com/2020/07/02/united_nations_warns_of_global_ewaste_wave/

Data News, Belgium

Europa telt meeste elektronisch afval per inwoner https://datanews.knack.be/ict/nieuws/europa-telt-meeste-elektronisch-afval-per-inwoner/article-news-1615387.html

Science News, United States

Earth’s annual e-waste could grow to 75 million metric tons by 2030 https://www.sciencenews.org/article/annual-e-waste-electronics-recycling-75-million-metric-tons

Computerworld, Hungary

Riasztó, mennyi elektronikus hulladékot termelünk - és a helyzet csak romlik! https://computerworld.hu/tech/riaszto-mennyi-elektronikus-hulladekot-termelunk-es-a-helyzet-csak-romlik-281085.html

MSN Deutschland, Germany

Weltweit wachsen Berge von Elektroschrott http://www.msn.com/de-de/finanzen/top-stories/weltweit-wachsen-berge-von-elektroschrott/ar-BB16g655

Tec Noticias, Spain

Los humanos dejaron una cantidad récord de desechos electrónicos en 2019 https://tecnoticias.net/2020/07/02/los-humanos-dejaron-una-cantidad-record-de-desechos-electronicos-en-2019/

Agencia EFE , Spain

via Yahoo! Finanzas, United States

En 2019 se generaron 53,6 millones de toneladas de basura electrónica https://es-us.finanzas.yahoo.com/noticias/2019-generaron-53-6-millones-182200409.html

Jiji News ( 時事ドットコム ) , Japan

世界の e-waste （電子ごみ）が過去最多に、 5 年で 21% 増加 https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=000000005.000055314&g=prt

HINA , Croatia

Globalni ee-otpad u pet godina porastao više od 20 posto https://www.glasistre.hr/zanimljivosti/globalni-ee-otpad-u-pet-godina-porastao-vise-od-20-posto-652555

Reuters América Latina, United States

Basura electrónica no es sostenible, dice la ONU, que apunta a EEUU, China e India https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/ambiente-tecnologia-idLTAKBN24339N

TTN, Viet Nam

LHQ: Thế giới lãng phí số nguyên vật liệu trị giá 55 tỷ USD mỗi năm https://www.vietnamplus.vn/lhq-the-gioi-lang-phi-so-nguyen-vat-lieu-tri-gia-55-ty-usd-moi-nam/649727.vnp

Sapo, Portugal

Nunca se produziu tanto lixo eletrónico. E vai continuar a piorar https://visao.sapo.pt/exameinformatica/noticias-ei/mercados/2020-07-03-nunca-se-produziu-tanto-lixo-eletronico-e-vai-continuar-a-piorar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nunca-se-produziu-tanto-lixo-eletronico-e-vai-continuar-a-piorar

Times of India,

Gold, platinum and other high-value materials, worth US $57 billion dumped or burned in e-waste last year, says UN report https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gold-platinum-and-other-high-value-materials-worth-us-57-billion-dumped-or-burned-in-e-waste-last-year-says-un-report/articleshow/76754932.cms

India Times, India

53.6 Mn Tonnes Of E-Waste Was Dumped In 2019 Alone With China Biggest Contributor, US Is 2nd https://www.indiatimes.com/news/world/un-says-53-million-tonnes-of-e-waste-was-dumped-last-year-517100.html
World Dumped 53.6 Million Tonnes Of E-Waste In 2019, Only 17% Got Recycled https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science-and-future/54-million-tonnes-of-e-waste-in-2019-only-17-percent-getting-recycled-517115.html

TechRadar US, United States

E-waste becomes world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream https://www.techradar.com/news/e-waste-becomes-worlds-fastest-growing-domestic-waste-stream
Electronic waste levels hit a new high in 2019 https://www.techradar.com/news/electronic-waste-levels-hit-a-new-high-in-2019

ZDNet, United States

UN reports global e-waste production soared beyond 53 million tonnes in 2019 https://www.zdnet.com/article/un-reports-global-e-waste-production-soared-beyond-53-million-tonnes-in-2019/

also in French:

Les déchets électroniques dépassent les 53 millions de tonnes en 2019 https://www.zdnet.fr/actualites/les-dechets-electroniques-depassent-les-53-millions-de-tonnes-en-2019-39906147.htm

Las Provincias , Spain

50.630 millones de euros quemados en basura electrónica https://www.lasprovincias.es/tecnologia/50630-millones-euros-20200703190140-ntrc.html

Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Switzerland

Zu viel Elektroschrott landet im Müll https://www.nzz.ch/wissenschaft/zu-viel-elektroschrott-landet-im-muell-ld.1564364?reduced=true

COSMOS Magazine, Australia

E-waste is surging but recycling isn’t https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/sustainability/e-waste-is-surging-but-recycling-isnt/

ABC News , Australia

A record 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste dumped last year

Kees video https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/a-record-536-million-tonnes-of-e-waste-dumped-last-year/vi-BB16h3qK

IT Brief AU, Australia

Time to take responsibility: E-waste - a global crisis https://itbrief.com.au/story/time-to-take-responsibility-e-waste-a-global-crisis

Punto Informatico, Italy

Rifiuti elettronici: mai così tanti come nel 2019 https://www.punto-informatico.it/rifiuti-elettronici-record-2019/

Brainstorm 9, Brazil

Com volume total de 53 milhões de toneladas, produção de lixo eletrônico bateu recorde em 2019 https://www.b9.com.br/128486/com-volume-total-de-53-milhoes-de-toneladas-producao-de-lixo-eletronico-bateu-recorde-em-2019/

Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru, Russia

Люди поставили рекорд по количеству электронного мусора https://hi-tech.mail.ru/news/electronnie_othodi_rekord/

El Correo, Spain

50.630 millones de euros quemados en basura electrónica https://www.elcorreo.com/tecnologia/50630-millones-euros-20200703190140-ntrc.html

IOL, South Africa

PICS: UN report says world's e-waste is 'unsustainable', lockdowns exacerbated problem https://www.iol.co.za/technology/gadgets/pics-un-report-says-worlds-e-waste-is-unsustainable-lockdowns-exacerbated-problem-50345101

Lefimerida, Greece

Εκθεση: Η Ελλάδα παράγει ετησίως ανά κάτοικο σχεδόν 17 κιλά ηλεκτρονικών αποβλήτων https://www.iefimerida.gr/ellada/ellada-paragei-17-kila-ilektronikon-apobliton

La Silla Rota, Mexico

Infecta basura electrónica al mundo: 53 millones de toneladas en 2019 https://lasillarota.com/mundo/infecta-basura-electronica-al-mundo-53-millones-de-toneladas-en-2019-covid-19-pandemia-coronavirus-mundo/408885

El Comercio, Spain

50.630 millones de euros quemados en basura electrónica https://www.elcomercio.es/tecnologia/50630-millones-euros-20200703190140-ntrc.html

Forbes México, Mexico

Basura electrónica, un enorme desafío que no cesa: ONU https://www.forbes.com.mx/mundo-basura-electronica-enorme-desafio-onu/

HDblog, Italy

Il mondo è una discarica: Europa unica virtuosa nel riciclo dei rifiuti elettronici https://www.hdblog.it/mobile/articoli/n523320/e-waste-rifiuti-elettronici-riciclo-europa-italia/

Business Insider Italia, Italy

ONU: Ogni anno nella spazzatura 10 miliardi di oro, platino e altri metalli preziosi https://it.businessinsider.com/onu-ogni-anno-nella-spazzatura-10-miliardi-di-oro-platino-e-altri-metalli-preziosi/

Trouw , Netherlands

De wereldwijde berg aan elektronisch afval groeit zorgwekkend hard https://www.trouw.nl/wetenschap/de-wereldwijde-berg-aan-elektronisch-afval-groeit-zorgwekkend-hard~b41d41b9/

HVG, Hungary

Korai gyerekhalálozáshoz vezethet az elektronikai hulladékból eredő szennyezés https://hvg.hu/zhvg/20200703_Korai_gyerekhalalozashoz_is_vezethet_az_elektronikai_hulladekbol_eredo_szennyezes

News 247, Greece

Η Ελλάδα παράγει ετησίως ανά κάτοικο σχεδόν 17 κιλά ηλεκτρονικών αποβλήτων https://www.news247.gr/perivallon/ellada-paragei-etisios-katoiko-schedon-17-kila-ilektronikon-apovliton.7673474.html

Sveriges Radio, Sweden

E-avfallet har ökat med 21 procent på fem år https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=406&artikel=7508178

DetikInet, Indonesia

Edan, Limbah Elektronik Selama 2019 Tembus 53,6 Juta Ton https://inet.detik.com/cyberlife/d-5078639/edan-limbah-elektronik-selama-2019-tembus-536-juta-ton

Popmech, Russia

Количество электронного мусора удвоится к 2030 https://www.popmech.ru/science/news-595463-kolichestvo-elektronnogo-musora-udvoitsya-k-2030/

Daily Maverick, South Africa

OUR BURNING PLANET: The global waste of valuable and toxic electronic equipment – report https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-07-02-the-global-waste-of-valuable-and-toxic-electronic-equipment-report/

Instalki , Poland

Elektrośmieci zalewają świat – w 2019 roku wygenerowano ich rekordową ilość https://www.instalki.pl/aktualnosci/hardware/42641-elektrosmieci-zalewaja-swiat-w-2019-roku-wygenerowano-ich-rekordowa-ilosc.html

Android Headlines, United States

Global E-Waste Problem Mounts Following Record-Setting 2019 https://www.androidheadlines.com/2020/07/global-e-waste-problem-record-setting-2019.html

ChannelNews, France

Explosion du volume de déchets électroniques dans le monde https://www.channelnews.fr/explosion-du-volume-de-dechets-electroniques-dans-le-monde-97929

Of note: AP via

Drudge Report, USA

Study: World's pile of electronic waste grows ever higher http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2020/07/02/20200702_190858.htm

Television

ABC News , Australia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3TZV-dv0hU

UN News , Swahili

https://news.un.org/sw/tags/global-e-waste-monitor-2017/audio/0/video/1

Euronews , France

We burn gold and platinum worth billions every year - what's the real value of electronic waste? https://www.euronews.com/living/2020/07/03/we-burn-gold-and-platinum-worth-billions-every-year-what-s-the-real-value-of-electronic-wa?jwsource=cl

Links

The Global E-waste Monitor 2020

Unitar Around the World