The transition to a circular economy for electronics is a challenging endeavour for many governments and industry players. In 2022, a record 62 billion kg of e-waste was generated globally (equivalent to an average of 7.8 kg per capita per year). Yet only 22.3 per cent of this e-waste mass was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Along with limited repair and remanufacturing, these numbers highlight the reality faced with regards the shift from a take-make-dispose based economy to a circular economy, where products, components and materials are collected, recycled, repaired, remanufactured and materials are put back into production, closing the loop. Better data and statistics and better and more policy and legislation are needed to support countries and industry sectors to transition to a circular economy for electronics. ITU provides technical assistance through two pillars under its circular economy programme:
E-waste Data and StatisticsThis pillar is powered by the
Global E-waste Statistics Partnership which essentially aims to collect and improve worldwide e-waste statistics, enhance the understanding and interpretation of global e-waste data, and improve the quality of e-waste statistics by guiding countries and building national capacity through e-waste statistics trainings. The partnership is also responsible for the publication of the Global E-waste Monitor, regional e-waste monitors and national e-waste monitors.
E-waste Policy and RegulationThis pillar has been driven by ITU and various partners and collaborators over the years. It aims to increase the number of countries covered by environmentally sound e-waste management policy and regulation, with a particular focus on the public participatory approach and stakeholder engagement and consultation processes behind the preparation of fair and economically viable regulation, including extended producer responsibility policy on e-waste.
Countries and Regions Supported
