The result recorded by the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020 regarding the management of electronic waste in 2019 is very serious: 54.6 million tons of unused mobile phones, computers, electronic gadgets and household appliances, of which only a small part is disposed of through proper recycling.

There are several reasons for this: the first concerns incorrect disposal of this type of waste. Among the products present in landfills, most are video cameras, electronic toys, razors, small household appliances (32%), but also photocopiers and large household appliances (24%). Another reason for this huge increase in waste, the now known programmed obsolescence of many objects of our daily life, designed to last less, break, lose efficiency, in order to be replaced by other purchases at an early stage, in a definetely not virtuous circle.

In addition to this, there is the dizzying consumption of electronic material in countries that were once less well-off, whose citizens can now also afford cheaper products and who, however, do not have sufficient control policies in the management of recovery and recycling: partly because of this situation, the volume of electronic waste is expected to double by 2030. Asia, for example, has the sad record of being the largest producer of electronic waste in the worlds.

Ineffective disposal results in the economic loss of precious metals such as copper, iron, mercury and gold to the value of almost €56 million and a weight of 50 tons: an equally serious waste of resources.