Take responsibility for electronic-waste disposal

The world is producing ever more electrical and electronic waste. The quantity of dumped computers, tele phones, televisions and appliances doubled between 2009 and 2014, to 42 million tonnes per year globally. Developed countries, especially in North America and Europe, produce the most e-waste (see ‘Unfair flow’). The United States generates the largest amount, and China the second most. Much of this waste ends up in the developing world, where regulation is lax. China processed about 70% of the world’s e-waste in 2012; the rest goes to India and other countries in eastern Asia and Africa, including Nigeria. Non-toxic components — such as iron, steel, copper and gold — are valuable, so are more frequently recycled than toxic ones. Disposal plants release toxic mat erials, volatile organic chemicals and heavy metals, which can harm the environment and human health. Lead levels sampled in the blood Take responsibility for electronic-waste disposal