KUALA LUMPUR: Digital-related waste has increased by 30 per cent between 2010 and 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes globally, said United Nations in a report.
According to “Digital Economy Report 2024” by UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launched on Wednesday stated the top three generators of such waste in 2022 were China (20.9 per cent), the United States (13.9 per cent) and the European Union (12 per cent).
It said these three economies generated more than 4.9 million metric tons of SCSIT waste, which was almost half of the world total.
The report stated developed countries generate 25 kg of digital waste per person, compared to less than 1 kg in developing countries and just 0.21 kg in least developed countries (LDCs).
“Digitalisation-related waste is expected to continue to grow rapidly as it has done in recent years.
“E-waste amounts are projected to further increase from 62 million tonnes in 2022 to 82 million tonnes in 2030.
“For screens, computers, small IT and telecommunications equipment (SCSIT) waste, the increase is projected to be from 10.5 to 11.2 million tonnes, over the same period,” the report said.
The report stated that 23.8 per cent digital waste collected globally in 2022 with a mere 7.5 per cent collection rate in developing countries.
“The top collection rates in the world are seen in the United States (62.2 per cent) and the European Union (59.5 per cent). In developing economies, Asia registers the most elevated collection rate (9.5 per cent),” it said.
The report also highlighted that digitalisation-related waste is a global challenge that demands a coordinated international response.
It stated that it is important to ensure that digitalisation related waste is not dumped into developing countries.
“Thus, there is a need to balance out the requirement to refrain from dumping digitalisation-related waste in developing countries with the ability to harness circularity and development opportunities from international trade in used Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE),” it said.
Meanwhile, UNCTAD urgently called on the international community to implement comprehensive policies fostering a circular digital economy, minimising environmental impacts, and bridging the digital divide.
“Most developing countries need further digitalisation to participate effectively in the global economy.
“Immediate and coordinated efforts from governments, industry leaders, and civil society are essential for sustainable and inclusive digital development,” it said. – BERNAMA
