If we laid all the phones we discard in a year end to end, they would stretch all the way to the moon … and back. That’s a lot of phones we throw away. But where do they end up? Phones are a type of electronic waste, or e-waste, along with computers and screens. The countries that produce the most e-waste tend to dump it in the countries that produce much less of it. Why? To save money, because regulations on handling hazardous waste and recycling are less strict in the Global South. And for this, local communities and the environment in these countries pay a steep price.
E-waste is projected to double to 100 million metric tons per year within the next 30 years. To tackle this, experts are calling for stronger regulations that promote the reparability of products. And as consumers, we can play a role. Repairing rather than replacing a broken phone should be the first option. If that’s not possible, look to a refurbished unit as a cheaper, more sustainable choice.
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