Outlook on global e-waste generation 2019-2030

The volume of electronic waste generated worldwide in 2019 was roughly 54 million metric tons. Several factors such as increased spending power and the availability of electronics has fueled e-waste generation in recent decades, making it the fastest growing waste stream worldwide. This trend is expected to continue, with projections showing that by 2030, annual e-waste generation worldwide will have increased by approximately 30 percent.

How much e-waste do people produce?

Globally, e-waste generation per capita averages roughly seven kilograms a year. However, this differs greatly depending on the region. Although Asia produces the most e-waste worldwide, people in wealthier countries typically produce more e-waste per capita than those in developing countries. For example, per capita e-waste generation in Europe is more than 16 kilograms a year, while in Asia it is five kilograms. In Africa it is even lower at just 2.5 kilograms per person, per year.

E-waste disposal

Currently, the global share of documented, collected, and recycled e-waste is just 20 percent. Instead, large volumes often end up in landfill sites. Due to the hazardous materials that are often used in electronics, e-waste is a growing environmental concern worldwide.