How often do you purchase a new electronic device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or a TV? In 2024, smartphone manufacturers shipped around 1.24 billion smartphones around the world. As the desire for new technology grows, so do the mountains of potentially toxic electronic waste. A record 62 million tons of e-waste was produced in 2022, up 82 percent from 2010, according to data from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
The UNEP also reveals that only 17 percent of e-waste is recycled. The rest is dumped randomly, causing major environmental damage, and this is where the main problem lies. Despite the e-waste problem becoming increasingly urgent, it has opened new market opportunities which major tech companies are taking.
Why it matters
Most modern tech devices require different elements to function properly. Many of these components are toxic. Most smartphones contain valuable materials such as gold, lithium, and rare earth elements, but only a small fraction is recovered and reused. The remaining waste often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, posing several environmental and health risks.
When e-waste is buried in landfills, toxic chemicals can leak into soil and water and contaminate the surrounding area’s environment. These toxic chemicals impact the health of nearby communities and can lead to several environmental challenges. In some cases e-waste is burned which releases toxic fumes into the air that then gets breathed in by the local population. The problem of e-waste is becoming more urgent than ever as the consumption of technology grows globally. E-waste is on track to rise 32 percent to 82 million tons by 2030, says the UNEP.
Read: Saudi Arabia tackles e-waste with 100,000 devices recycled, minimizing environmental footprint
Tech giants tackle the growing challenge of e-waste
To address this issue, technology brands are implementing key initiatives to curb e-waste. For instance, Apple has introduced a self-repair program, allowing customers to replace certain parts of their devices independently, thereby extending product life cycles. Google’s latest Pixel models also prioritize repairability, making it easier for users to replace damaged components.
Meanwhile, Fairphone, a brand dedicated to minimizing the impact of technology on the environment, has pioneered modular smartphone designs, enabling users to swap out and upgrade parts instead of discarding the entire device. Trade-in programs and recycling initiatives are also on the rise. Samsung and Apple have implemented take-back programs that encourage customers to return old devices for proper recycling or refurbishment. These initiatives help recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing new devices.
and rare earth elements, but only a small fraction is recovered and reused
The transition to green energy
Sustainability in technology production extends beyond e-waste. Energy consumption is another major area of concern. The production of smartphones requires significant energy, most of which still comes from fossil fuels. However, the climate crisis has pushed major brands and nations to set environmental targets and requirements to facilitate the global transition to renewable energy and decrease the impact of carbon emissions.
Leading mobile brands are taking proactive steps to transition to renewable energy sources, reducing their dependence on carbon-intensive power generation. Big tech companies have pioneered corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy.
In 2020, the big five tech companies procured 7.2 gigawatts of renewable capacity, accounting for almost 30 percent of all corporate renewable PPAs, or around 3.5 percent of all global renewable capacity additions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Apple, a frontrunner in sustainability, has committed to using 100 percent renewable energy in its global operations, including its data centers, corporate offices and retail stores. The company has expanded its lineup of carbon neutral products to include Apple Watch Series 10 and Mac mini. In addition, it has reduced over 55 percent of its carbon emissions since 2015.
Samsung has also set a similar goal, achieving its goal of running on 100 percent renewable energy in the U.S., China, Europe, Vietnam, India and Brazil. To reduce its carbon footprint, the company aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2050. Mobile networks and service providers are also joining the green energy movement.
For example, Vodafone revealed that over 80 percent of the energy it uses to power global networks is matched with renewable sources. The company also aims to reuse, resell or recycle 100 percent of its network waste. Vodafone also reduced the carbon emissions from its operations by more than half since 2020 and it aims to reach net zero across its full value chain by 2040.
The role of consumers in reducing e-waste
Climate change is the defining challenge of this generation. Reaching a net-zero economy will require all-encompassing efforts across governments, consumers and private companies. With advancements in material science, biodegradable and recyclable phone components may become mainstream in the near future. Additionally, the integration of AI and smart energy management systems could further enhance energy efficiency in technology manufacturing and production.
While technology brands are making strides in sustainability, consumer behavior also plays a critical role in the industry’s environmental impact. Extending the lifespan of devices through proper maintenance, repair and recycling can significantly reduce e-waste. In addition, choosing sustainable brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and eco-friendly production can encourage further innovation in green technology and the transition to renewable energy. Concerted efforts from consumers, key players and organizations will be critical.
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