Buy and Sell pre-owned electronics! – Is this the most essential solution for e-waste management?
Technology is moving at the fastest phase ever in history and the usage of electronic and electrical devices has become a non-negotiable option. It’s role starts from a small kitchen device such as a toaster to a life saving health care equipment. Tech has reached almost every nook and corner of the world.
While the benefits behind the tech advancement is immeasurable, it also comes with it’s own drawbacks of which E-Waste being a primary one.
It’s estimated that The overall economic impact of e-waste management in 2022 was a loss equivalent to USD 37 billion. The main costs consist of USD 78 billion in externalized costs to the population and the environment, stemming from lead and mercury emissions, plastic leakages, and contributions to global warming, particularly in cases where hazardous substances are not properly managed.
According to Global E-Waste Monitor 2024; 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); 22.3 per cent of this e-waste mass was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
India currently ranks third among the largest generators of e-waste globally, behind only China and the US. The volume of e-waste in India has witnessed a significant surge to 1.6 million tonnes in 2021-22.
Irrespective of the actions taken by Governments it becomes every individuals responsibility to use electronic devices wisely and support safe recycling processes. Like the saying goes, “Change starts from home”, we can all contribute to the betterment of the world by taking simple steps and definitely save some money.
- Avoid upgrading based on trends, buy devices that will last longer and have affiliated repair support
- Sell your pre-owned electronic gadgets which will be value for your money and avoid clutter at home
- Buy pre-owned devices and help in increasing the life span of electronic devices
- Recycle responsibly, identify proper collection centers to dispose your e-waste
- Choose brands that are eco friendly and have take back programs
Change will happen, the output of the change is shaped by individuals
Source: The Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) https://www.itu.int/