Quarterly household e-waste collected in the United Kingdom 2015-2024

From January to September 2024, approximately 375 thousand metric tons of household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were collected in the United Kingdom. On average, some 120,000 metric tons of household electronic waste are collected each quarter. The UK is one of the biggest producers of e-waste in the world.

Types of e-waste

WEEE, often referred to as e-waste, consists of electronic products that are discarded at the end of their useful life. Types of e-waste include phones, computers, and light bulbs, as well as large household appliances such as fridges, microwaves, and washing machines. The latter category makes up the largest volume of collected e-waste in the United Kingdom. 

E-waste a growing problem

E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. There are health concerns over the way it is disposed of, as large amounts are exported to developing countries. With a lack of proper waste management, electronics are often burnt, resulting in the likely contamination of soil, water, and food. It is estimated that less than one-third of electronic waste generated worldwide is formally collected.