E-waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. Every year, the world generates more than 50 million tons of technological waste and most of it is not recycled properly. Phones, computers, tablets, televisions and other electronic devices end up in landfills or are exported to developing countries without proper treatment.
This type of waste not only represents an economic loss due to the materials it contains, such as lithium, but also poses an environmental threat. Many devices contain toxic substances that pollute the soil, water and air and affect human health and biodiversity. Faced with this situation, the solution is not only to recycle, but to rethink the entire technological system.
From waste to resource: the hidden value of electronic waste
Technological waste contains valuable materials: a smartphone alone can contain up to 60 different elements from the periodic table. Recovering them is key to the circular economy as each recycled component reduces the need to extract new resources, reducing the environmental impact of mining.
According to the United Nations Global E-Waste Report, by 2020 we were only able to manage 22% of e-waste. The rest ends up out of the system or is handled illegally. Sustainable technology and eco-design strategies can change this. Designing products that are more durable, easy to disassemble and repair is an urgent need.
Technology companies play a key role. Some are already betting on modular and recyclable products.
Technology and innovation at the service of recycling
Technological innovation is key to improving e-waste management. Today, artificial intelligence is already being used to sort electronic components in recycling plants. Automated robots identify and separate materials with high precision. This makes it possible to increase recycling efficiency and recover more valuable resources.
In addition, the Internet of Things can help track devices throughout their lifecycle. This makes it easier to collect them when they are no longer in use. It also improves traceability and prevents waste from ending up outside the legal treatment system.
The blockchain is being explored to certify recycling processes and ensure that materials are reused responsibly. Technology is not the problem: used well, it is an essential part of the solution.
Education, public policies and responsible consumption
Change does not only depend on companies or technology. Citizens have a fundamental role to play. Buying less, repairing more and recycling correctly are habits that make a difference. Choosing devices with a longer useful life also helps to reduce electronic waste.
In addition, clear public policies are vital. Governments should establish extended producer responsibility laws, promote accessible collection points and awareness campaigns.
Environmental and digital education must include the management of technological waste. Understanding the impact of our devices leads us to use them more consciously.
A future with less waste is possible
Reducing e-waste is a challenge, but also an opportunity. A circular economy based on technology and sustainability can generate jobs, protect the planet and secure resources for the future.
At Qaleonwe are committed to technological progress in order to revolutionize the industry through sustainability. That is why we have developed SineQia® an innovative 360 platform that provides real-time tracking of key KPIs and metrics related to business sustainability.
With SineQia® you can make informed decisions based on accurate data, optimize your processes and meet sustainability goals efficiently and transparently.
